All Podcasts / The Daily / Is the Swipe Era Over?
The Daily
The Daily

Is the Swipe Era Over?

February 22, 2026 • 35m

Summary

⏱️ 6 min read

Overview

Rachel Abrams explores the evolution of modern dating beyond the swipe, examining how people are responding to dating app fatigue through both in-person events and AI-powered solutions. The episode features dating columnist Gina Sherlis on why apps have lost their appeal, producer Luke Vander Ploeg's firsthand accounts of unconventional singles events including wrestling speed dating, and Amanda Hess's investigation into AI matchmaking technology that promises to optimize romance.

The Rise and Fall of Swiping

Dating columnist Gina Sherlis explains how Jonathan Bedeen's shower-inspired invention of swiping revolutionized dating in 2012, but over a decade later, users are experiencing unprecedented dating app fatigue. Rising costs, algorithm skepticism, safety concerns, and the feeling of being manipulated by business models have left singles demanding alternatives. The apps have also contributed to a loss of rejection resilience, making people less likely to approach others in person since they can always go home and swipe instead.

  • Tinder's swipe feature was inspired by Jonathan Bedeen wiping fog off a bathroom mirror in 2012
  • Dating app fatigue is at an all-time high due to increased costs, algorithm skepticism, and safety concerns
  • Apps have eliminated the incentive to approach people in person, leading to loss of rejection resilience
  • Two camps have emerged: those going offline to meet people the old-fashioned way, and those embracing AI to optimize dating
" Dating app fatigue is at an all-time high, I'd argue right now. "
" The existence of dating apps almost eliminates the incentive to approach someone in person. You'd be like, oh, well, too bad I didn't get to talk to that person on the subway. I'll just go home and swipe anyway. "

Wrestling Speed Dating: Gen Z Gets Physical

Producer Luke Vander Ploeg attends a Valentine's Day wrestling speed dating event in Brooklyn limited to 18-24 year olds, where singles literally wrestle each other on pink mats to break the ice. Despite the unconventional approach, participants are genuinely tired of apps and eager to connect physically. The wrestling creates instant intimacy by breaking down physical barriers quickly, with some participants genuinely making romantic connections and exchanging numbers after grappling with potential partners.

  • Wrestling speed dating event was held in a Brooklyn warehouse with three bright pink wrestling mats
  • Participants reported being exhausted by dating apps, with one person having Hinge for two years but only going on one date
  • The physical contact of wrestling led to accelerated intimacy, with couples holding hands and appearing coupled up after matches
  • Breaking down physical barriers through wrestling helped people skip toward intimacy faster than traditional dating
" I've had Hinge for two years and I've gone on one date. "
" She was trying to kill me. I was not trying to kill you. Just a little bit. I was trying to beat him a tiny bit. "

📚 3 more sections below

Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes

Listen on Apple Podcasts More Episodes from The Daily