Dating Apps Shift Focus to Friend-Finding

The online dating app market continues to thrive, with millions using platforms like Hinge and Bumble, yet many users report feeling burnout from the experience. A recent study highlights that 78% of users feel exhausted by dating apps, prompting major players like Bumble and Match Group to pivot towards friend-finding features in an effort to combat this trend. Meanwhile, a report from Common Sense Media reveals that 15% of teens have turned to AI for companionship, especially among Black teens, highlighting a growing reliance on technology to alleviate loneliness. As people seek more genuine connections, the tech industry is responding with solutions aimed at fostering friendships, reflecting a broader concern over mental health impacts of isolation. This shift in focus may address the challenges of maintaining user engagement and emotional well-being.