# Socialized Dating Dating apps integrate friend-based features to boost matches. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 18, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/socialized-dating ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Socialized Dating trend? **Socialized Dating:** Brands in the business of creating dating apps are aiming to establish trustworthy connections by using friendship as a basis for matchmaking. Whether facilitating friendships first between potential matches, or using existing friends to vouch for users of the apps, these brands are prioritizing authentic connections. ## The consumer insight behind the Socialized Dating trend Prior to the ubiquity of dating apps, most people met their partners through their immediate networks—particularly through friends. The fatigue that’s now associated with sifting through hundreds of potential partners on various apps has resulted in a reversal where consumers seek out the more trustworthy, authentic connections that were once made by meeting people in-person first. With dating apps developing algorithms to better align with these views, consumers are able to benefit from the convenience of online dating, while believing in its ability to create strong connections. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 14, 2018 to Oct 15, 2019 - Published: Oct 18, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Socialized Dating trend ### Friend-Based Matchmaking Dating apps are prioritizing authentic connections by using friendship as a basis for matchmaking. ### Socially Designed Platforms Dating apps are becoming more social, allowing users to turn match finding into a group activity. ### Smart Matchmaking Algorithms New dating platforms are using personalized matchmaking algorithms and filters based on users' requests and interests. ## What the Socialized Dating trend means for industry ### For Online Dating Services Companies in the online dating services industry can explore new ways to facilitate authentic connections and prioritize user experience. ### For Social Media Platforms Social media platforms can integrate dating features to better align with their users' need for trust and authenticity in online connections. ### For Gaming and Entertainment Companies in the gaming and entertainment industries can explore opportunities to incorporate socialized dating features into their platforms. ## Workshop question How could your brand align longstanding values with technological changes in its space? ## Trend signals for Socialized Dating Trend score 2.5 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 31%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Socialized Dating trend 4 featured examples from Mar 14, 2018 to Oct 15, 2019. - [Smart Matchmaking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seeko): Seeko is a New Dating Platfrom Created to Match Users Requests (Category: Social Media) Implication: The online dating industry can leverage smart matchmaking platforms to meet the growing demand for digitized romance and personalized dating experiences. - [Trivia-Focused Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/updated-lively): The Updated Lively App Hopes Users Will Connect Over Live Video Trivia (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunities to create unique and interactive features, such as live video trivia, could differentiate dating apps in a crowded market. - [Socially Designed Dating Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ship-dating-app): The Ship Dating App Lets Users Friends Search for Matches (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for online dating platforms to incorporate friend-based matchmaking and group chat functionalities. - [Cross Platform Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-integration): Facebook Dating Launched in the US and will have Instagram Integration (Category: Social Media) Implication: Leveraging social media integration and data-driven matchmaking to disrupt the online dating industry ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)