Match Group’s CEO Says Gen Z Values In-Person Connection Over Dating Apps

Singles increasingly prefer to meet people in person rather than swipe on profiles on their phones, the head of Tinder and Hinge’s parent company said this week. That trend has the dating apps looking for new ways to connect people.

“Our internal research shows that nearly half of singles aged 18 to 29 want to share in-person experiences with people who could become closer connections,” Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call Tuesday.

Tinder announced at the end of July that it would be expanding its Events feature to over 26 cities by the end of September. The feature was designed to have users get together in-person for game nights, coffee socials, group hikes and more. The in-app feature first launched in March with a pilot program in Los Angeles that hosted more than 60 events. 

Tinder built partnerships with event organizers and ticketing platforms to connect their members with local community events. The success of these events supports evidence that those who are a part of the Generation-Z dating scene prefer in-person bonding over connecting with someone over an app, Tinder said in a statement in July. The events left enough of a positive impact that more than half of these users (53%) returned for more get-togethers.

“For a generation that grew up online, making that transition into real life can still feel hard,” Rascoff said. The company said the effort provides a social, low-pressure approach for users to connect in real life. Some US and European cities that will have events include New York, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Berlin, Munich, Geneva and Zurich.

Gen Z has reportedly been opting out of meeting partners through dating apps, preferring instead to meet people the old-fashioned way. In-person meet-ups like Tinder’s Events align more with the direction Gen Z is heading, Rascoff says.

Tinder struggled to meet financial goals in the second quarter of 2026 but seems to be confident that focusing on its Events feature will help it build momentum. Rascoff said during Tuesday’s call that by appealing to the younger demographic, the app will open the door to new members. “Bringing more real-world connection into the experience can help shift perception of Tinder and the category more broadly, giving singles a reason to reconsider and try the app,” he said.

A representative for Tinder did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Giselle Castro-Sloboda

Fitness and Nutrition Writer

I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness/fitness myths. In my free time I enjoy cooking, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or watching a documentary. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.

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