DUA AG Acquires Gen Z Dating App IRLY

Posted on February 12, 2026
Dua.com acquired irly

VANCOUVER TECH JOURNAL – Switzerland-based DUA AG has acquired the IRLY (I Really Like You) brand, including its trademark and IP, in an all-cash asset deal. Founded in Vancouver by Connor Rose, Laura Rollock, and Cameron Dallas, IRLY positioned itself as a Gen Z, personality-first alternative to swipe-based dating apps. The acquisition adds IRLY to DUA AG’s growing portfolio, which includes Albanian dating app dua.com (2019) and hyper-local platform Spotted.de (acquired 2022), as the group expands its niche, youth-focused dating brands.

See full article at Vancouver Tech Journal

Can AI Replace Matchmakers?

Posted on February 12, 2026

ASK A MATCHMAKER – In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria examines the rise of AI-driven dating tools and argues that algorithms and chatbot coaches can’t replicate the human elements of chemistry, accountability, and community. She discusses where AI can support dating and where it falls short, challenges the swipe-first mindset, and distinguishes between validation and genuine compatibility. The episode also includes practical dating advice for 2026 and guidance for navigating apps, dating fatigue, and Valentine’s Day as a single person.

Grindr Tests AI-Powered EDGE Subscription Tier

Posted on February 12, 2026
Grindr EDGE

GRINDR – Grindr is testing a new premium subscription tier called EDGE, positioning it as a fully AI-integrated upgrade to the app experience. Powered by its gAI™ stack, EDGE embeds AI across discovery, messaging, and re-engagement rather than limiting it to a single feature. The tier includes daily personalized profile recommendations, conversation recaps to help users reconnect with missed chats, and expanded profile insights aimed at improving match quality and follow-through. The pilot is currently running in Australia, New Zealand, select U.S. cities, and Canada, with randomized pricing during testing. Grindr states that AI features are optional and that sensitive health data is excluded from AI use.

See full article at Grindr blog

Dating in the Age of Ghosting and Bailing

Posted on February 12, 2026
ghosting

TECHNICIAN – Despite making dating more accessible, apps have normalized ghosting, last-minute cancellations, and “breadcrumbing,” contributing to widespread frustration and burnout. Studies show high rates of ghosting among Gen Z and Millennials, with many both experiencing and engaging in it. Experts link this behavior to dating app fatigue, constant availability expectations, and the anonymity of online platforms, which can reduce accountability and encourage poor treatment of others. Combined with economic and social pressures, these trends have fueled what some describe as a “romantic recession,” where people plan dates but increasingly fail to follow through.

See full article at Technician

AI Is Killing Authentic Dating – With Daniel Cheaib, Founder of Feels App

Posted on February 11, 2026

BUILDING GREAT TECH – In this episode of Building Great Tech, Daniel Cheaib, Founder and CEO of Feels, discusses how the Gen Z-focused dating app has reached ~8M downloads and achieved 80% YOY revenue growth. He explains how Feels addresses dating app fatigue by prioritizing authenticity and self-expression for users under 30. The conversation explores Gen Z’s relationship with loneliness, the balance between AI and real-life connection, and how Feels is positioning itself within the evolving online dating landscape.

Coffee Meets Bagel Teams up With SG Culture Pass to Redefine Valentine’s Dates

Posted on February 11, 2026
CoffeeMeetsBagel SG Culture Pass partnership

THE STRAITS TIMES – Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) has partnered with Singapore’s $300M SG Culture Pass initiative to offer singles exclusive perks on arts and culture events starting Feb 14. The year-long collaboration includes priority access, discounts and upgrades for 11 date-friendly experiences, encouraging users to use their $100 Culture Pass credits on “offline” cultural dates. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said the move aims to reach singles actively dating.

See full article at The Straits Times

PositiveSingles Launches Lifetime Premium Membership for Celebrities

Posted on February 11, 2026
Homepage of PositiveSingles website showcasing a community for individuals with herpes and STDs, featuring a welcoming message, statistics, and search options for dating and friendship.

PRESS RELEASE – PositiveSingles has introduced a Lifetime Premium Membership Plan for celebrities and public figures, offering enhanced privacy protections within its STD dating platform. The plan includes Privacy SafeGuarder, a governance framework that restricts misuse of sensitive health information and enforces accountability through platform monitoring and penalties. The initiative aims to support more responsible public discussions around sexual health while providing stronger safeguards for high-visibility users.

See full article at EinPressWire

Smitten’s Provocative “Just Break Up” Campaign Sparks Attention in Sweden

Posted on February 11, 2026
Smitten ad on a bus

RESUMÉ – Smitten, the Icelandic dating app, which entered the Swedish market in 2022, has launched a bold out-of-home push across Stockholm’s public transport system with messages like “Just break up!” and “You deserve to be single.” Developed by agency Make Your Mark, the campaign deliberately challenges conventional dating app narratives that traditionally glorify coupling. The messaging has appeared across buses, the metro, university campuses, podcasts, and social media – and has already generated organic discussion.

See full article at Resumé

Bumble Starts Giving the “First Move” Back to Women

Posted on February 9, 2026
Bumble

OBSERVER.CO.UK – Bumble is rolling back recent changes and returning to its original “women make the first move” model in some markets. Men in Mexico and Australia can no longer message women first, while the feature remains in the UK. The reversal follows criticism that allowing men to initiate chats diluted Bumble’s core differentiation. That change was originally driven by legal pressure in the US, where the company faced mass arbitration claims.

See full article at Observer.co.uk

Radio Interview With Mark Brooks About How Dating Apps Are Fighting Romance Scams

Posted on February 9, 2026

Mark Brooks joined Agenda on DubaiEye, hosted by Georgia Tolley, to discuss the rise of online dating scams ahead of Valentine’s Day, and what dating apps are actively doing to prevent fraud and protect users through technology, moderation, and education.