Tinder’s Campus Launch Increased Hookups but Not Relationships

Posted on July 29, 2026
Tinder’s Campus Launch Increased Hookups but Not Relationships

PSYPOST – Tinder’s early expansion across U.S. colleges increased the number of sexual partners among fraternity and sorority students but did not lead to more committed relationships, according to a study of 1.1M students published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics. Researchers also linked Tinder’s introduction to a two-percentage-point rise in reported sexual assaults, more chlamydia cases and increased HIV testing. Average mental health did not worsen, with some female students reporting modest improvements.

See full article at PsyPost

Facebook Introduces Free Verification

Posted on July 29, 2026
Facebook verified

TECH CRUNCH – Facebook is rolling out Facebook Verified, a free system that allows users to confirm they are real people by taking a selfie. A verification check mark will appear on their profiles across Facebook Dating, Marketplace and Groups. The system is separate from the paid Meta Verified subscription and is intended to help users assess the authenticity of people they interact with.

See full article at Tech Crunch

Tokyo Dating App Leads to 265 Marriages

Posted on July 29, 2026
Tokyo Dating App Leads to 265 Marriages

AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE – TOKYO Enmusubi, the AI-powered dating app launched by the Tokyo government in September 2024, has led to 265 marriages and 760 serious relationships. As of June 30, the app had accepted 16K members from ~36K applicants. Users must prove they are legally single and complete an online interview before joining.

See full article at ABS CBN

Young Singles Use Spreadsheets to Evaluate Dates

Posted on July 27, 2026
Dating Wrapped

WALL STREET JOURNAL – Young singles are using spreadsheets and apps such as Spread to evaluate dates, compare partners against their core values, and identify red flags or recurring patterns. Some track matches made through dating apps, while others create annual “Dating Wrapped” reports inspired by Spotify Wrapped. One dating spreadsheet template has sold ~10K copies for $9.99. Users say the data helps them make decisions amid dating-app burnout, although critics warn that excessive tracking can cause people to disregard their emotions.

See full article at Wall Street Journal

Tinder Expands In-Person Events Beyond Los Angeles

Posted on July 24, 2026
Tinder logo

LOS ANGELES TIMES – Tinder is expanding its in-person singles events following a successful LA pilot, adding nine cities across the US and Europe and planning to reach another 16 markets by September. Events include rooftop yoga, hikes and brewery meetups organized with existing local providers, with users able to see interested attendees and connect after an event. Tinder has held ~60 events in Los Angeles, and 71% of users aged 18 to 24 engaged with the events tab.

See full article at Los Angeles Times

Social Discovery Group Accused of Using Models to Drive Spending

Posted on July 24, 2026
A collage of various social media profile images showcasing diverse individuals, paired with a promotional banner for AmoLatina.com, a dating website connecting singles.

ICIJ – An International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) investigation alleges that Social Discovery Group dating platforms use models, influencers and engagement targets to keep paying members buying credits. Dmitry Volkov, the group’s founder and CEO, owns Social Discovery Group and related companies including SOL Networks and SOL Holdings. Together, the businesses operate ~60 dating brands, including Dating.com, AmoLatina, DateMyAge, Dil Mil, AnastasiaDate and Cupid Media.

Customers interviewed by ICIJ said they spent thousands of dollars communicating with attractive, verified profiles that repeatedly avoided live calls and meetings. One customer reportedly spent ~$130K. A Colombian model said she was paid for photos and videos but did not operate the profile or communicate with users.

Social Discovery Group denies paying models, employing chat operators or allowing third parties to manage accounts. It says marketing partners may recruit and support free users but cannot pay them or communicate on their behalf.  A separate US civil racketeering case alleges that model-based profiles were used to encourage users to buy credits. The case remains unresolved after being referred to arbitration. 

SDG says it has suspended payments to an affiliate and commissioned an external investigation, but whether this represents genuine reform or a crisis-management exercise remains to be seen. 

See full article at ICIJ

flutrr Names New CMO as Former Marketing Chief Becomes Interim CEO

Posted on July 23, 2026
Fluttr

OPW – Indian dating platform flutrr has appointed Ankit Santra as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding co-founder Anirban Banerjee, who led the company’s marketing for five years. Santra was previously flutrr’s Creative Head and played a central role in its recent rebranding. Banerjee has moved into the role of Interim CEO and will work alongside CEO Kaushik Banerjee as the company restructures its teams, advances product development and executes its next phase of growth. 

Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos Explains Her Approach to Product Design

Posted on July 23, 2026
Hinge Jackie Jantos

IT’S NICE THAT – Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos said the dating app is adapting its products to the changing needs of Gen Z, which now represents more than half of its users. Hinge follows a “designing with, not for” approach, involving people with different lived experiences in product development. One result is Match Note, a private, non-screenshotable screen where users can disclose personal information, such as having ADHD, before beginning a conversation. Jantos, who moved from CMO to CEO in late 2025, said Hinge’s “Designed to Be Deleted” positioning also guides product decisions, including detailed onboarding and limits on simultaneous conversations, with the goal of moving users from the app to in-person dates.

See full article at It’s Nice That

Aisle Names Chandni Gaglani Executive Vice President and Head

Posted on July 23, 2026
Aisle Names Chandni Gaglani Executive Vice President and Head

INDIAN TELEVISION – Info Edge-owned dating platform Aisle has promoted Chandni Gaglani to Executive Vice President and Head of the business. Gaglani, who previously led product, marketing, operations, partnerships and expansion, will oversee Aisle’s overall strategy, AI-led product development, trust and safety, and entry into new markets. Aisle claims 30M registered users, 500K MAUs, and increased revenue by 146%. The platform operates in ~150 countries and plans to expand its regional offerings, including Arike, following its full acquisition by Info Edge earlier this year.

See full article at Indian Television

Coffee Meets Bagel Updates App With AI Features

Posted on July 21, 2026
CofeeMeetsBagel

HER WORLD – Coffee Meets Bagel has launched CMB 2.0, introducing AI conversation prompts, a Real Dates scheduling feature, and Singpass identity verification in Singapore. The app also expanded its AI moderation tools to detect fake profiles and inappropriate messages. Since the rollout began in June 2026, the company says messages sent with likes have increased 30%, while average profile viewing time is up 21%.

See full article at Her World