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Seventy-eight percent of people report feeling emotionally, mentally or physically exhausted by dating apps at least some of the time, if not often or always, according to a 2025 Forbes Health survey.
"A lot of people have app fatigue," says relationship coach Amy Chan.
Chan has spent years coaching singles and leading dating workshops. Her latest book, "Unsingle," offers strategies for building lasting relationships.
If you're ready for a break from the dating apps yourself, here's what Chan recommends trying as a way to meet people instead.
Let shared interests do the work
Especially now that summer's here and the sunshine beckons you outside, let your interests guide you, says Chan, and join some activities you already know you love.
Whether it's a run club or pottery class, you'll inevitably end up seeing some of the same people when you're there. That in and of itself could lead to a connection. "There's something called the mere exposure effect," she says, "where the more you see someone, the more it will amplify the base feeling."
"Sometimes the brain takes time to process," she adds. "Is it a romantic connection? Is it a friendship connection?" But spending that time with a person by default of being in the same place can help you realize there's really something there, an opportunity the apps simply don't present.
'Go to where growth-oriented people go'
Chan recommends apps like Meetup and Luma to look for local events having to do with your interests. You can also do a simple Google search for groups or classes having to do with your interests.
"Retreats are also great," says Chan, adding to "go to where growth-oriented people go. They are going to learn and better themselves." It's worth it to surround yourself with those people.
It may seem counterintuitive as you're joining these events in the context of your dating life — but when you go, try not to think of it as a way to meet your soul mate. Instead, think of it as a way to make connections at large and see what happens.
That kind of attitude "takes the pressure off, and it makes you enjoy life," says Chan.
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