It might sound rather suicidal for a matchmaking app to declare so loudly that we should all forget dating apps. Yes, dating apps and matchmaking apps are different. About as different as say cheddar is from mozzarella. Exactly! How many people can honestly tell the difference? But it appears that the subtle differences between both types of apps may just be turning people away. From either!  It’s the superficial swipe, according to research. The swipe-right generation is starting to look left, and dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, once hailed as revolutionary, are facing growing dissatisfaction—particularly among Gen Z.

Alas, the allure of endless choices and curated profiles is fading, replaced by a longing for something real: the spontaneity of “meet-cute” moments.

Meaning of meet-cute vs dating apps

You’re allowed to roll your eyes at this point because it’s yet another Gen Z terminology we’re all going to have to get used to. But what exactly is a meet-cute? A meet-cute is basically a movie scene, where two people meet for the first time in typically unusual, but humorous, or endearing circumstances, often leading to a romantic relationship. Think “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), one of the most famous romcoms of the last 50 years!

And if you haven’t watched it, you need to upgrade your cultural capital by making it a priority this season. Anyway, the scene goes like this – Harry and Sally share a car ride from Chicago to New York, leading to a playful debate about friendship and sex that sets the tone for their relationship. That’s a meet-cute.

Trust the Gen Z, “pie in the sky” types to fantasize about scripted meet-ups from Hollywood. But we’re not judging. If this is what people want, then so be it. How can we all help make it happen, lest the middle class all over the world start to shrink and disappear like South Korea? And why else has swiping gone so wrong so quickly?

1. The Exhaustion Factor: Constant swiping can feel more like a chore than romance. Algorithms match profiles, but cannot recreate the excitement of locking eyes across a cold beer and a cocktail.
2. Short-Lived Matches: Lets face it, a meet-cute happens organically, without the pretense of perfect photos and bios. It’s far less superficial, which is what you get these days with all the filters and Ai inspired “photoshopping”.
3. Digital Disillusionment: Gen Z, ever tech-savvy, is increasingly skeptical of the “illusion of connection” online. The dopamine rush of a new match fades quickly, often leaving people craving deeper, in-person bonds.

So What’s Next?

Real-life romance isn’t dead—it’s just been overshadowed. People are rediscovering social events, mutual hobbies, and serendipitous moments as ways to connect. Whether it’s a bookstore chat or a gym encounter, the unpredictability is what makes it magical.

But hang on a minute. Gen Zs are largely introverted, mostly preferring the safe indoors to the great outdoors. So it’s all very well dreaming about chance meetings in the gym or over the till at the supermarket, our dear Gen Zs are unlikely to utter a word to each other!!

The key therefore, is to blend both worlds. Help our dear Gen Zs get over their shyness by helping them meet online first. Without the swipe, and without the superficial faked unblemished photos. Limit the talking stage to no more than a few days. Essentially, till you’re comfortable, and then set a firm date to meet in person. Make a game of it. Like a guessing game. See how well you’ve come to know each other online.

We’ll call it hybridationship. Needs more work, but you get the drift.