Finding a serious, compatible partner can feel impossible sometimes, but why is dating so hard these days? Don’t worry, it’s not just you!
The dating scene has gotten harder in recent years, with changing social dynamics and the cost of dating crisis being some of the key factors. But surely that doesn’t mean we’re all doomed in love…right?
Right. Despite the challenges of dating we’re all feeling, there are absolutely ways to get out of a dating rut.
We’ve done a little investigating into why the dating scene is so challenging and how you can navigate it successfully, so take notes.
What Are the Issues With Modern Dating?
We don’t want to sound like a disgruntled Boomer, but modern dating is a completely different beast from what it was just a few years ago.
We’re not just saying this.
With the rise of social media and rapidly changing societal norms, it can be difficult to know how to succeed when meeting new people.
To help you understand that the issue isn’t necessarily a you problem, we’ve broken down the biggest issues facing singletons in the London dating scene…
Social Media Is Warping Our View of Relationships
We know that it’s easy to blame all our problems on social media, but hear us out on this one!
When we doomscroll on Instagram or TikTok, it’s easy to get sucked into viewing videos of seemingly perfect couples who go on intricately planned, extravagant date nights once a week and shower each other with lavish gifts or public displays of affection.
While these videos can be entertaining, it’s important to understand that this isn’t the reality of love and relationships for most people.
Regular date nights are great, but they don’t have to be flashy and expensive. There are plenty of cheap dates that are just as meaningful and romantic.
People also tend to put too much stock in how much you’re willing to share on social media.
A 10-year relationship is just as valid whether you went Insta-official after your third date or you’ve never mentioned each other online.
Dating Apps Are Hindering the Dating Experience
Okay, okay, a dating app company saying that dating apps are hindering the dating experience might seem like the height of irony, but we think we’ve got a point.
Most dating apps on the app store are pretty much the same, which is why we do things differently.
These basic apps offer a bit of swiping, a few matches here and there, and then a ton of messaging threads that rarely lead to actually meeting in person for a date.
This approach has taken all of the genuine connection out of dating and removed much of the emotion, too. It’s easy to forget there’s a real person behind the endless carousel of profile pictures.
Get Set to Meet With Wisp
Unlike traditional dating apps, Wisp removes the hassle and drama by focusing on what truly matters — meeting in person.
We’re designed to cut through the noise of endless chats and superficial connections, bringing dating back to its roots.
With Wisp, the goal is simple and authentic: to arrange real, meaningful dates where you can genuinely get to know each other, just like people used to.
No gimmicks, no unnecessary complications; just real connections, face to face.
Get set to meet and download the Wisp app today!
We’re Less in Touch With Our Emotions
Life today moves fast. We’re all about speed, productivity, and quick interactions, which doesn’t leave much space for reflecting on how we really feel.
Between constant tech distractions and the pressure to fit in, it’s easy to lose touch with our emotions.
And when we can’t figure out or express what we’re feeling, it can be hard to connect with others in a meaningful way. After all, understanding and sharing emotions are key to building real relationships.
If we’re disconnected from ourselves, it creates barriers to empathy and honest communication, leaving us stuck with surface-level connections instead of deeper bonds.
There’s Just Too Much Choice Now
The ‘Paradox of Choice’ is the idea that while having options is great, too many choices can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. This couldn’t be more true when it comes to modern dating.
With online profiles and social media, it feels like there’s an endless pool of potential partners.
At first, it might seem like a blessing, but all those options can leave you stuck, unsure whether to commit or keep searching for someone “better”.
On top of that, constantly comparing yourself to other people’s curated profiles can heighten insecurities and set unrealistic expectations.
Instead of building real connections, all these choices can make dating feel like a numbers game, leaving many people feeling disheartened by the whole process.
Societal Expectations Have Changed Over Time (Especially for Women)
Over the past few decades, societal expectations surrounding relationships, marriage, careers, and reproduction have undergone significant shifts, particularly for women.
Traditional norms that once prioritised early marriage and parenthood have given way to a broader acceptance of diverse life paths.
Women today are increasingly encouraged to prioritise education and careers, to pursue personal growth, and to challenge the timeline society once imposed on major life decisions.
This has created more freedom and agency, but also introduced a unique set of challenges, as balancing personal desires, societal judgment, and cultural pressures remains complex.
Our Way of Life is Different Now
Sitcoms from the 90s and romcoms from the 00s often depicted tight-knit groups of friends or grand, serendipitous encounters that led to lifelong connections.
These portrayals reflected a time when communal bonds and spontaneous socialising were central to our way of life.
However, as society evolves, we are increasingly prioritising individual goals and personal growth.
This shift towards individualism, while empowering, has also impacted our collective openness to forming new connections.
Many people now find themselves more focused on their personal journeys, leaving less room for the kind of deep, organic relationships idealised in media from previous decades.
The digital age, with its emphasis on online presence and curated personas, has reshaped how we approach relationships in a fast-paced, individualistic world, so we need to work on being more approachable.
How to Make the Most of the Dating Scene
Okay, so that might all sound a bit doom and gloom, but don’t get disheartened!
There are plenty of ways you can make the most of the modern dating scene and meet people who share the same views as you, instead of wasting time on people who are stuck in their own world.
1. Embrace Your Personality & Have Fun
The key to finding success in dating? Embrace what makes you, well, you!
Forget trying to fit into a box or live up to someone else’s expectations; just focus on being unapologetically yourself.
That’s how you attract people who truly appreciate you for who you are. And hey, don’t forget to keep it fun! Dating’s meant to be enjoyable, not something that stresses you out.
With a positive mindset and a good sense of humour, it’s easier to build real connections and actually enjoy the process, whether or not it works out with someone.
2. Go Dating Together
Double dates or singles events are a great way to dive into the modern dating scene while staying safe.
Teaming up with friends or joining well-organised events creates a fun, supportive vibe that helps you feel more relaxed.
This can be especially important for single women, as being in a group adds an extra layer of security.
And as for double date ideas? We’ve got plenty!
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
Trying something new is one of the best ways to shake things up and meet new people.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to experiences and connections you might never have thought about before.
Whether it’s joining a club, taking a workshop, or finally trying that hobby you’ve been curious about, these activities bring you around people who share your interests.
Plus, being open to new experiences doesn’t just help you grow, it also boosts your chances of meeting someone who clicks with your personality and lifestyle.
4. Embrace a New Kind of Dating App
We know we’ve already warned about how dating apps are affecting the dating scene, but that’s just the old, popular ones! There are new kinds of dating apps that can actually make finding a meaningful connection easier.
Apps like Wisp are redefining the world of online dating by taking things offline.
Meeting potential dates online is the most efficient way to go about things, we’re not arguing about that!
But it’s so easy to get caught up in endless streams of messages that never lead anywhere, and that’s the problem
With Wisp, you don’t get the chance to get stuck in a messaging loop.
Instead, you’re encouraged to set up an in-person date before you even get to drop a “If your life was a movie, what would you name it?”.
Get Set to Meet Your Perfect Partner With Wisp
Wisp makes online dating way less stressful by cutting out the endless chats and shallow interactions.
Unlike other apps, Wisp is all about getting you to make real-life connections. It gives you super simple tools to plan in-person meetups, so you can actually get to know someone face-to-face.
No more wasting time stuck in virtual conversations—Wisp helps you build real, genuine connections with people who share your values and interests.
Say goodbye to the frustration and start dating in a way that actually feels meaningful! Download Wisp today to find lasting love.
FAQs
Why Has Dating Become So Difficult?
Modern dating can feel overwhelming due to endless options, unrealistic expectations, and superficial connections online.
Many struggle to find genuine relationships amidst digital distractions and shifting cultural norms, making it harder to cultivate meaningful and lasting connections.
What is the Hardest Period of Dating?
The hardest period of dating is often the early stages, as individuals work to build trust, establish compatibility, and balance vulnerability with self-confidence, all while navigating the uncertainty of whether the connection will develop into something meaningful.
Why is Dating So Hard for Gen Z?
Dating is hard for Gen Z due to the prominence of online dating, fear of rejection, and overwhelming digital options, which complicate forming genuine connections and navigating emotions in an era dominated by social media and instant gratification.
Is Dating in London Harder Than in Other Cities?
Dating in London can be harder due to its fast-paced lifestyle, high living costs, and the overwhelming number of choices, which often lead to superficial connections and difficulty in fostering deep, lasting relationships amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
What is the Dating Culture in London Like?
Dating in London is a mix of the old and the new, blending traditional approaches with a big focus on casual dating and hook-up culture.
The city’s diverse population and buzzing social scene mean there are endless ways to meet people and try out different kinds of relationships.