The honeymoon phase with dating apps is officially over.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brits admit they still think the day is relevant, but are ready to leave apps behind.
A study of more than 500 Brits shows that 82% of single people would now prefer to meet a potential partner “naturally at a social event” rather than through a screen.
This desire for organic connection comes as app fatigue sets in across all age groups, despite the fact that 68.5% of people consider Valentine’s Day a relevant cultural milestone.
The Trust Gap: Age and Height
The move away from digital dating seems driven by a decline in trust. When asked about their experiences on dating platforms, respondents highlighted a recurring pattern of digital fiction.
The most common lie encountered on dating profiles is age (9.1%), followed closely by height (8.4%). Other frequent complaints include the use of outdated or heavily filtered fake profile pictures and misleading information regarding relationship status.
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The Survival of Romance
Despite the cynicism toward technology, the appetite for romance remains robust, with 68.5% of people believing Valentine’s Day is still relevant in 2026.
While many are keen to abandon the swiping culture, they aren’t abandoning the holiday. 62.6% of respondents planned to spend their Valentine’s weekend with a romantic partner.
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The survey also points to a quiet success story for long-term love in the UK. Over 27% of those surveyed have been in their longest relationship for more than 10 years, providing a stark contrast to the fleeting, often frustrating nature of modern app culture.
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Seeking the Social in Socialising
The desire to meet people in real life is also reflected in the desire for experiences over gifts.
When asked whether they prefer a physical gift or an experience, a staggering 70.9% of respondents chose experiences.
In fact 4% of respondents picked a live bingo rave as their ideal date night.
As the UK heads into the most romantic week of the year, the daters still want the date, they still want the romance, but they are falling out of love with algorithms.
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Key Survey Insights:
- 68.5% believe Valentine’s Day is still relevant in 2026.
- 9.1% cite “Age” as the most common lie seen on dating profiles.
- 8.4% cite “Height” as the second most common profile lie.
- 62.6% will spend Valentine’s weekend with a romantic partner.
Relationship Status:
- In a Relationship: 37.59%
- Single: 31.11%
- Married: 29.07%
- Divorced: 2.22%
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