By: Chantal Landreville, Certified Love & Relationship Coach and author of Raise Your Love Signal: A Guide to Attracting and Keeping the Love of Your Life
Imagine swiping through endless profiles, searching for the perfect match, only to feel exhausted, disconnected, and frustrated. This is a reality many singles face today, stuck in a loop of digital connections that often lack depth. And yet, as our lives become more tech-driven, the craving for genuine, in-person connections continues to grow. It’s fascinating to witness the rise of running clubs and social meetups that bring people together face-to-face.
It would be fun to share the ups and downs of both sides: the highs and lows of online dating and the surprising return to in-person dating experiences. So, let’s explore the good and bad and how you can navigate these evolving trends.
The Convenience of Online Dating
Online dating has revolutionized how people meet, offering unprecedented access to potential partners. In Canada, over 40% of single adults have used dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. These platforms have opened up opportunities to meet people outside our usual social circles, from different cities, or even across the globe. With just a few swipes, singles can engage in conversations from the comfort of their own homes.
For example, if you are a busy professional in Toronto, you might find it hard to meet new people due to time constraints. Online dating is convenient because it allows you to schedule dates around your packed calendar and explore various matches without needing to dedicate time to traditional meetups.
But let’s not forget that the ease of access also has drawbacks. With so many options, people often become overwhelmed or indecisive. The paradox of choice can lead to endless swiping without meaningful connections. This over-reliance on convenience can sometimes make users feel disconnected from the human side of dating.
The Dark Side of Online Dating
Online dating is often tainted by one major issue: misrepresentation. Too many people fall into the trap of curating profiles showing only their most polished, idealized version. Whether it’s outdated or heavily edited photos, incomplete bios, or inflated personal details, many profiles are crafted to attract attention rather than reflect reality. A survey revealed that 54% of Canadians believe people misrepresent themselves on dating apps, leading to unmet expectations and frequent disappointments when people finally meet in person.
One of the most significant issues contributing to this misrepresentation is how people rush through setting up their profiles. Instead of thoroughly completing their bios with thoughtful, relevant information, many opt for generic phrases or empty sections, making it difficult for others to get a sense of who they are. This lack of effort creates profiles that only stand out or offer little to connect with. Worse, it discourages meaningful engagement because there’s little to work with beyond a profile picture.
On the flip side, it’s not just about completing one’s profile — it’s also about being attentive to others’ profiles. Many users swipe or click without thoroughly reading the details of the people they match with, missing key opportunities to filter out matches that may not align with their values or interests. This “surface-level swiping” often leads to mismatched connections and shallow interactions, which could have been avoided by paying closer attention.
To avoid this, people need to take the time to complete their profiles fully with sincerity and thoughtfully read through potential matches’ information. By being clear about who you are and engaging sincerely with others, you can avoid superficial connections and the burnout that often follows.
The In-Person Comeback
With the growing frustrations of online dating, many people are increasingly seeking face-to-face experiences to form authentic connections. Platforms like Hinge have recognized this trend, emphasizing the importance of moving offline quickly, with about 70% of users actively looking for long-term relationships. Alongside this shift, there’s been a resurgence of activities designed for singles to meet naturally, such as running clubs, hiking meetups, and themed social events.
For instance, I recently partnered with a local running club to host a matchmaking event, and the turnout was overwhelming! Attendees were excited to leave their screens and engage in real-life connections. To enhance the experience, we asked participants to fill out a matchmaking form highlighting their interests and preferences. We also provided prompt cards with intentional questions to help ease the often awkward moments of initial conversations. This helped to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with first dates. They found common ground, shared laughs, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, making it easier to connect genuinely. I’ve seen firsthand how stepping away from dating apps can lead to more fulfilling interactions.
There’s something undeniably special about face-to-face interactions: the chemistry, body language, and genuine connections that are hard to replicate through screens. This is why more singles are choosing to meet in person — it brings a richness to the experience that online chatting or video calls simply cannot match. So, if you’re feeling disheartened by the digital dating scene, consider stepping into a running club or a similar meetup. You might just find that authentic connection you’ve been searching for!
The Bottom Line
Both online and in-person dating offer unique advantages, but each has its challenges. While online dating provides unmatched access and convenience, it can lead to shallow, misrepresented connections. A survey revealed that 42% of Canadians consider communication the most vital part of a successful relationship, highlighting the importance of authenticity and clarity in interactions.
On the other hand, meeting someone in person allows for genuine chemistry and deeper bonds, driving the resurgence of in-person events. With 30% of Canadian singles using online dating platforms and 59% of singles aged 18-34 expressing openness to digital dating, it’s clear that many are navigating the complexities of both worlds. Ultimately, if we want to experience more in-depth and real connections, we all need to show up authentically, whether online or face-to-face. By being true to ourselves and expressing our genuine interests and values, we create an environment where deeper connections can flourish, regardless of the platform we choose.
ABOUT:
Chantal Landreville is an author, Speaker, and a Toronto-based certified Love and Relationship Coach with over two decades of experience in personal growth and human connection. In her quest to challenge the “Disney-fied” notions of love we’ve all been fed; Chantal introduces the true reality of what love really means. She is here to disrupt the myths and fairy tales, guiding people toward understanding that real love is about creating genuine, lasting connections built on mutual respect, emotional safety, and shared growth. Her mission is to help individuals discover the path to authentic and lasting love and she is dedicated to empowering her readers with the knowledge and tools needed to create healthy, fulfilling relationships.
Raiseyourlovesignal.com | IG: @chantal.landreville
Next Month’s topic
Starting Fresh: Embracing Change and Growth After a Relationship Ends
