Dating apps are having problems because they rely too much on data. Generation Z, who grew up in the digital age, is showing fatigue with the way algorithms are used to match people up and is demanding a more human approach to dating. A 2024 study found that 72% of users aged 18-26 think that traditional matching methods are based on old-fashioned ideas about relationships.

The problem with matching people using algorithms

Traditional dating platforms have spent decades improving their algorithms, collecting lots of data about users — from education and income to musical preferences and hobbies. But Generation Z is not so sure about this. Young people have realised that matching based on formal criteria does not guarantee that two people will get along, and does not take into account the most important factor – emotional intelligence.

The main disadvantages of data-based matching:

    Algorithms can't tell you if two people are emotionally compatible.
    Don't think about what's going on around you or how you're feeling right now.
    This is a common approach that is based on information about the population, like age, gender and so on.
    Not considering how people change and grow over time.

There was no assessment of how the person was communicating without using words (i.e. non-verbal communication) or their body language.

A study of 5,000 people who use dating apps found surprising results. Only 23% of couples who got together after using an online dating service were compatible, according to the rules of the algorithms. This shows a basic problem: algorithms can't capture the natural connection between people when they talk in person. What's more, 68% of Generation Z respondents said that they felt restricted by standard questions and forms that did not show all the different aspects of their personalities.

Returning to the human dimension in dating through video chats

Let's talk about how people interact with each other when they're dating. We're talking about online video chats.

People are becoming more and more disappointed with the way algorithms match people up, so platforms that focus on live communication are becoming more popular. Services like Flirtbees and coomeet.chat/flirtbees do things differently. They focus on human interaction instead of data analysis. Chat roulette is a tool that allows you to see how compatible you are with someone based on how you both feel and communicate without saying a word.

Random video chat has these advantages over traditional methods:

    You can quickly see if you like someone and if you get on.
    The ability to see how people naturally react to things and how they feel.
    We can assess your sense of humour and communication style as you go along.
    This text is not distorted, which is typical of how people communicate by text.
    It helps people to trust each other more quickly and feel closer.

The fact that video chat sites like coomeet.chat/flirtbees are so popular among Generation Z can be explained by a number of reasons. First, this format means you won't end up on a blind date where things don't live up to your expectations. Secondly, video calls save time – you can understand more in 15-20 minutes of talking than in weeks of writing letters. Research shows that people who use video chat to start a relationship are twice as likely to go on a second date, and 35% more likely to have a long-term relationship.

A new way of thinking for the digital generation

Dating platforms now have to think again about how they do things, finding a balance between technology and the human factor. Nowadays, successful services use smart algorithms and live communication to create a hybrid matching model. This approach lets you enjoy the best of technology without forgetting the importance of talking face-to-face.

Here are some of the things that make up a successful hybrid model:

    We use AI to make the first choices based on simple rules.
    We can use video to assess chemistry and compatibility.
    Recommendations are updated in real time based on live communication.
    Think about what is going on in the situation and how you are feeling right now.
    A personalised approach that considers personal growth.

Generation Z is a mature bunch when it comes to digital dating. They understand that technology is just a tool, not a replacement for talking to people. People now care about keeping their personal information safe online and choose services that respect their privacy and let them interact with others in real ways. Video calls are more than just a feature — they're a way of life. They bring back real human communication in a digital world.

The future of online dating is all about making ecosystems where technology helps people connect in real ways, not replacing that connection. Generation Z's behaviour shows that you can't replace real-life interactions with algorithms. Video calls are now very important in this new world. They help people connect in the digital and real worlds, even if they can't meet in real life.
 

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