Dating Apps Will Only Become More Popular This Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, singles worldwide are feeling the pressure to find love fast. While internet chatter suggests a shift away from dating apps in favor of real-world interactions—like running clubs, speed dating, and IRL social events—the broader landscape tells a different story.

Changing societal factors continue to push people toward digital dating. In Ireland alone, the number of nightclubs has dwindled to fewer than 70. Rising minimum wages and insurance costs make events more expensive, unpredictable weather deters outdoor meetups, stricter drink-driving laws limit social outings, and remote work has reduced in-person interactions. Meanwhile, people are more glued to their phones than ever, with mobile screen time for those over 30 in Ireland up 23% from last year.

“No matter what singles over 30 say in 2025, they will always revert back to a dating app in the search for love,” says Paul Numan, an expert in the dating industry. “It’s a learned habit, and even if it doesn’t work for everyone, media narratives push the idea that it’s the go-to solution for singles. Logically, picking a partner based on a photo seems absurd, but it’s a controlled environment that beats the alternatives.”
The reality is that IRL dating events often attract more women than men, which is why male spots frequently remain open. Conversely, men gravitate toward dating apps, with statistics showing that 70% of dating app users are male. The challenge, then, is finding a middle ground—a space where women can enjoy real-life connections and men can maintain the ease and anonymity they prefer.

Enter Katch—Ireland’s only homegrown dating app, based in Wexford. Katch blends the best of both worlds by hosting live, one-on-one video dating events, creating real-time, face-to-face interactions that remove the superficiality of swiping. What started as one event per day has skyrocketed to over 30 daily events, connecting happy singles across the globe.

“Real face-to-face engagement is where the dating industry is headed, and Katch is leading the charge,” says Paul Numan. “Singles are exhausted by endless swiping and fake profiles. They want real, authentic interactions in the most personal way possible.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the demand for meaningful connections will only rise. While traditional dating apps remain dominant, the future belongs to services like Katch—where technology meets real human connection, and where love isn’t just a profile picture away.