Swiping may be losing its shine. New research from Alfa Romeo suggests 60% of UK daters feel worn down by dating apps, and 49% would rather meet a potential partner more naturally. The survey, run by OnePoll in September 2026, questioned 1,000 single people who are actively dating.
The fatigue is not a British peculiarity. A 2024 Forbes Health poll of 1,000 American app users, reported by Global Dating Insights, found that more than three-quarters had felt some exhaustion with app dating. Women were likelier to report it than men, at 80% versus 74%.
So what do people want instead? Something to do together. According to Alfa Romeo‘s findings, 44% of UK daters would sooner accept an invitation built around a shared activity, such as a drive or a day trip, than a standard dinner or drinks date. A further 35% think a shared experience gives them a better chance of forging an emotional bond with someone new, compared with 24% who pick a meal. Chemistry still counts, though: 86% say a spark matters.
The research also points to a strong appetite among women for a say in the arrangements. Some 91% of female daters said being able to shape or change the plan is important to them. Over half (52%) said knowing they could leave easily would help them relax, against 29% of men, and 42% said arranging their own transport mattered. On planning, 60% of women would like to do it jointly, 11% would rather organize it alone, and just 2% would hand over the reins.
To tap into the mood, the carmaker has worked with dating and relationship coach Kate Mansfield on Guida all’Amore, a guide to in-person dating that includes five of the UK’s most romantic road-trip destinations. Mansfield argues that meeting face to face works best when it feels collaborative rather than like a job interview, since you can notice how someone laughs and reacts to their surroundings. Jules Tilstone, managing director of Alfa Romeo UK, said singles want a more authentic way to connect.
There is, naturally, a car involved. The brand is pitching its Junior Elettrica as the ideal date companion, citing a 54 kWh battery, a 255-mile WLTP range, and a 20%-to-80% rapid charge in 30 minutes. Tilstone said:
“Dating apps have transformed the way people meet, but our research suggests singles are now looking for a more authentic way to connect. A scenic drive or an impromptu road trip offers the chance to step away from the traditional dating scenario and share a more natural experience together. Junior Elettrica is the perfect date companion for a romantic escape, combining performance with passion and style, rooted in its Italian DNA – together with the romantic road trip inspiration, and expert tips in our Guida all’Amore “you can focus on making lasting memories together in a more natural setting.” [sic]
Since a manufacturer with a vehicle to promote ran the research, it is best read as a snapshot of sentiment rather than settled science. Still, the message from daters is clear – fewer screens, more scenery.
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