The business of modern dating

Evidence suggests that millions around the world are ditching the most popular dating apps to pursue alternative options. Users complain that swiping is not leading to dates or meaningful relationships, just admin and fatigue.

In our conversations, organisers of in-person dating events share their experiences.

“Chemistry can only be assessed in person,” Amber tells us. “You could like someone’s photo, you could like speaking to them on the phone but when you meet them in person there’s something different that can’t be assessed online – that’s a big part of why people are coming back to in-person events.”

We also bring together developers of specialist dating apps, including an advocate of “slow dating.”

(Photo: Amber Soletti, founder of Single and the City (NYC/Austin) with her husband Juan. Credit: Single and the City)

Presenter: Luke Jones
BBC producer: Iqra Farooq
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editor: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC World Service Outside Source team