In Perth, a quiet revolution is reshaping the dating scene as singles increasingly abandon the digital swipe in favour of face-to-face encounters. Tired of the endless cycle of matching, small talk, and ghosting on dating apps, locals are flocking to real-life events and innovative shows to find authentic romance.
The Rise of In-Person Dating Initiatives
Thursday Dating Perth has emerged as a popular alternative, hosting weekly singles-only gatherings at bars and pubs across the city. Events manager Kara Benton believes dating apps have reached their limit after a decade of dominance.
"After a decade of dating apps people are tired of them... I think their time is up," she said. "People love meeting organically instead of sitting on their phones swiping for hours."
Ms Benton notes that singles frequently express gratitude for these events, highlighting a long-standing need in Perth for more personal connection opportunities.
A Shift Towards Authentic Connections
She emphasises that while digital connectivity has soared, real-life disconnection has deepened, driving a strong appetite for genuine experiences.
"We’re more connected digitally than ever, but never been more disconnected in real life," Ms Benton explained. "Singles want real experiences, real conversations and real connections and they want them now, not after three weeks of messaging just to be ghosted."
This sentiment is echoed by success stories like Danny Griffin, 38, and Vanessa Naso, 44, who met at a Thursday Dating event in Highgate. Their instant spark underscores the power of in-person chemistry.
"We met as our real selves, not as profiles or messages," Mr Griffin said. "It feels rare now, which is what makes it so special. It honestly created a connection that felt deep and natural from the very beginning."
Both had grown weary of dating apps, with Mr Griffin describing fatigue from the untruthful nature of digital interactions, and Ms Naso rejecting apps as part of her ideal love story.
Innovative Alternatives Gain Traction
Another burgeoning option is 1ROSE, an Australian dating show founded in Perth by Gabe Wong, 30. Launched a year ago, it has attracted nearly 1000 applicants, evolving from speed-dating to a show featuring compatibility games where singles offer roses for second dates.
"I came up with the idea to help out singles because everyone’s sick of dating apps and dating," Mr Wong said. "Friends and on social media too, especially on Tiktok, everyone is just complaining about dating and how they’re wasting their time."
Show presenter Amy Priya, 30, confirms that dissatisfaction with apps is a common theme among participants, with multiple couples already formed, some even cohabiting.
Boosting Confidence and Intentionality
Contestant Saxon Heighton, 31, praised the show for allowing vibe-based connections beyond paper filters.
"The dating apps, you can filter through the type of person you want on paper, and that’s great, but it’s not until you meet someone face to face where you can match the energy or suss out the vibe between you," he said.
He added that the experience has boosted his confidence to approach women in real life, advocating for more accountability in pursuing rom-com-style encounters.
Dating Apps Acknowledge the Trend
Even major dating platforms are recognising this shift. Kirsty Dunn, Director of Communications at Tinder Australia, notes that Australian singles are prioritising in-person connections.
"This past year, Tinder saw Aussie daters leaning back into in-person connection," Ms Dunn said. "Gen Z and millennials were more likely to describe themselves as 'better in person' when adding their communications style descriptor to their Tinder profiles."
Hinge reports a move towards intentional dating, with users seeking effort and follow-through, and tools like Voice Notes gaining popularity among Gen Z daters.
Expert Insights on the Future of Dating
Relationship expert Scott Devenport attributes this trend to widespread frustration with apps, where many users aren't seeking serious relationships.
"People don’t like dating apps... they’d like to meet people in other ways," Mr Devenport said. "People are struggling to meet each other in person because there’s lots of people on dating apps that aren’t there for a relationship."
He identifies the transition from online to real life as a key barrier, but believes organic dating experiences could provide a solution as their popularity grows.
As Perth singles continue to seek meaningful connections, the blend of events and shows offers a promising path beyond the digital realm, rekindling the romance of spontaneous, real-life meetings.
