Individuals are increasingly prioritizing personal interests and hobbies over traditional dating.
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Individuals are increasingly prioritizing personal interests and hobbies over traditional dating.
- A 2025 survey revealed that 23% of book club members met someone romantically through their group, with 44% preferring this method over dating apps.
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Many single individuals are shifting their focus from conventional dating to cultivating a rich personal life filled with hobbies and social activities. This trend, sometimes referred to as “hobby-based dating,” emphasizes meeting potential partners through shared interests rather than relying solely on dating apps.
A 2024 survey by Forbes indicated that over 75% of Gen Z users reported feeling burnt out by dating apps, citing difficulties in forming genuine connections despite significant time investment. This has contributed to a movement towards real-life interactions where chemistry can develop more organically.
Book clubs and run clubs are prominent examples of this shift. A 2025 survey found that 23% of book club members had met someone they were romantically interested in through their reading group. Furthermore, 44% of respondents in that survey stated they would prefer to meet a romantic partner at a book club rather than on a dating app. Men were significantly more likely than women to report a book-club romance, with 38% compared to 16%. Other popular activities include cooking classes, gaming, and improv classes, all of which offer opportunities for collaborative tasks and shared experiences that can foster connection.
While some young men have reported taking up “attraction hobbies” to appear more appealing to potential partners, this performative approach has been met with skepticism. The broader trend, however, highlights a desire for deeper, more authentic connections built on mutual interests and real-world engagement, moving away from the “gamified” aspects often associated with dating apps.