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The way young adults meet romantic partners is undergoing a seismic shift, and dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are losing ground. Gen Z is trading swipes for shared experiences, embracing hobby-based dating as the new way to form meaningful connections. With more young adults joining run clubs, book clubs, and craft circles, the trend is transforming how relationships begin.
- Gen Z increasingly prefers hobby-based dating over dating apps.
- Shared activities like running, reading, and crafting foster authentic connections.
- Platforms like Strava, Meetup, and Silent Book Club are driving the trend.
- Hobby-based dating provides a real-life context that apps cannot replicate.
- The trend reflects broader burnout with online dating culture.
Why Gen Z Is Moving On From Dating Apps
A 2024 survey by Forbes revealed that 75% of Gen Z users feel burnt out by dating apps, citing passive interactions and repetitive swiping as key frustrations. Younger daters are seeking alternatives that foster genuine connections, and hobby-based groups offer exactly that. Instead of profiles and bios, participants meet through shared activities where chemistry builds naturally.
Barbara Hagen, vice president of marketing at ThriftBooks, explains, “Hobby-based dating provides a context for organic interaction, which is something dating apps struggle to deliver.” This shift is reshaping how Gen Z approaches love and relationships.
Book Clubs and Run Clubs: Leading the Charge
Book clubs have emerged as a surprising hotspot for romance. A 2025 survey by Talker Research found that 23% of book club members met someone romantically through their reading group. Gen Z and Gen X participants showed the highest preference for book-club meet-cutes, with 47% and 45% respectively favoring them over app-based connections.
Run clubs are close behind. Data from Strava reveals that participation surged in recent years, fueled by Gen Z’s desire to meet new people outside of dating apps. Around 72% of Gen Z runners describe joining as a social strategy, often prioritizing in-person connections over digital ones.
Hobby Platforms Gaining Traction
Platforms built around hobbies are seeing a significant uptick in users. Knitting social network Ravelry boasts over 9 million members, and Goodreads now has 150 million users. Apps like Strava have effectively become social networks, where workout kudos often evolve into direct messages.
For those seeking to join the trend, the options are diverse. Whether it’s cycling with Strava, reading with Silent Book Club, or playing pickleball via RacketPal, hobby-based dating communities are popping up everywhere.
Where to Start With Hobby-Based Dating
If you’re ready to explore hobby-based dating, here are some platforms to consider:
- Strava: Running, cycling, and hiking communities.
- RacketPal: Casual sports like pickleball, volleyball, and hiking.
- Silent Book Club: Social reading with optional chats.
- Ravelry: Knitting and crocheting communities.
- Meetup: Local hobby and interest groups.
- Eventbrite: Workshops and social events.
These platforms provide a natural way to meet like-minded individuals while doing something you enjoy.
What This Means for You
For readers considering hobby-based dating, the message is clear: prioritize shared experiences over profiles. Whether you’re joining a run club, attending a book club, or exploring a new craft, the focus should be on genuine connections rather than superficial swipes. Hobby-based dating allows relationships to develop organically, giving you the chance to know someone beyond their curated digital persona.
If you’re tired of the repetitive nature of dating apps, this trend offers an exciting alternative that could lead to deeper connections.
FAQs
- What is hobby-based dating? Hobby-based dating involves meeting potential romantic partners through shared activities like running, reading, or crafting instead of using dating apps.
- Why is Gen Z moving away from dating apps? Gen Z users are experiencing burnout from passive and repetitive interactions on dating apps, prompting a shift toward real-life connections through hobbies.
- How do I find hobby-based dating communities? Platforms like Meetup, Strava, Silent Book Club, and Ravelry are great starting points for joining hobby-focused groups.
- Are hobby-based dating groups effective? Yes, surveys show that many participants have met romantic partners through hobby groups, and these connections often feel more authentic.
- Can I try hobby-based dating without a specific skill? Absolutely. Many groups welcome beginners, and some platforms even match users looking to learn or teach new skills.
