The State of Dating in 2025: Ghosting, AI, and Getting Real Again
By Sanchia Saunders
Over the years men have often been painted with the same brush - more recently that brush spelling out the very familiarised term of, ‘men are trash’.
With these outdated stigmas and views, which realistically are often only associated with a small group of men, still heading precedence over the work that men are doing in today’s society to become more emotionally available - it highlights that maybe just maybe men deserve more grace.
As let’s be real, the “men are trash” term became a punchy meme in the 2020s, due to men’s wrongdoings being humourised in viral videos across platforms likes TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat & more.
But in 2025, it looks like things are finally starting to evolve.
Even though toxic masculinity such as “boys don’t cry” is still getting called out, with Reddit users saying,
“71.8 % of men got called weak for opening up” which is a major hurdle to emotional safety - things are finally starting to look up and narratives are finally starting to shift!
Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller
Dating Apps
Let’s talk about the apps. We love them… until we don’t.
In 2025, dating apps are still the main way people meet, but now AI is doing the matchmaking, which is very crazy to think.
Some apps now even predict your “emotional compatibility score.” Cool? Yes. Creepy? Also yes.
But here’s the thing: over 50% of Gen Z daters say they feel burned out by dating apps, per Statista.
We’re craving depth & meaningful connection over convenience, which can often be found through event based dating.
That’s why Evntful’s whole vibe curating chill, low-key events where people connect in real life actually hits.
As with the options of Rocket Padel to Meraki Studios Reformer Pilates there really are options for everyone.
This is why you don’t need 87 swipes and three weeks of texting just to find out they chew with their mouth open. With Evntful, you meet people, vibe, or don’t.
And either way, you’re not wasting time.
The Shift
We’ve collectively realised that emotional safety trumps situationships - and it’s very refreshing to see if I do say so myself.
In fact, a 2025 Singles Report from Match says 71% of singles are prioritising emotional maturity over looks or status.
We’re no longer romanticising red flags or “fixing” emotionally unavailable people.
It’s about healthy communication, shared values, and real-world chemistry, something that digital-only dating just doesn’t deliver.
They’re creating space for authenticity, where it’s about real people, not just curated profiles.
Plus, there’s zero pressure to perform.
Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller
What it’s really about
So with dating continuing to shift from generation to generation, it’s clear to see that dating in 2025 isn’t just about finding
someone - it’s about finding
your person.
That’s not just cute talk either. According to eHarmony’s Future of Dating study, 42% of Gen Z say their biggest dating goal is finding a “deep, soulful connection.”
Not a situationship, not a sneaky link, not another “what are we?” convo.
A connection that feels real, mutual, and meaningful. That’s why Evntful isn’t just another dating thing, it’s a movement and exactly who it thinks it is.
One that actually cares about singles finding their people, in spaces that make sense, without the ick.
We’re all here for the vibes, but more than that, we’re here for something real.
Credits:
- Hinge: https://hinge.co/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/?kuid=31b6d78a-c086-437f-9ab0-df56eaf7fd8b&kref=vGWRdzLJnjYf
- AI/ Chat GPT: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiCprD66KuPAxX1j1AGHUq3Jz4YACICCAEQABoCZGc&co=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw2brFBhBOEiwAVJX5GDYiBu-_eou2T2sk6OQkw0oPXSi4rMaKzPppvE8X_Y0-FME24gxDuRoCI-8QAvD_BwE&cce=1&sig=AOD64_2f5OPWe-kLEsn7bOfElVsWW54sSA&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwj0zKj66KuPAxXqdUEAHU7vM9kQ0Qx6BAgKEAE
- Pew Research Center, 2024: Gen Z Dating Habits: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/
- Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com
- Statista, 2025: Online Dating Usage & Burnout Trends: https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997776/online-dating-usage-by-brand-in-the-uk
- Meraki Studios: https://www.meraki-studios.com
- Rocket Padel: https://www.rocketpadel.com
- Match.com Singles in America Report, 2025: https://www.match.com/
- eHarmony Future of Dating Survey, 2025: https://www.eharmony.co.uk/labs/dating-diaries-2025-dating-and-relationship-trends/
