In 1995, Match.com was launched and the world of internet dating was born. Over the past 30 years, online dating has changed dramatically – as have our expectations of it. Much has changed for the better. Dating apps such as Feeld have brought conversations about kink and BDSM into the mainstream and apps like Thursday centre around users meeting “in real life” to dissuade endless messaging. But with users reporting dating app fatigue and concerns over others’ behaviours, is it time to rethink dating apps?

Set to launch in the App Store by the end of 2024, one new dating app aims to change the dating game. By merging online with traditional dating, “Evntful” strives “to get people off the apps and on dates but not compromise users’ safety”.

How is Evntful keeping users safe?

Anyone (let’s be frank: any woman) who’s been on dating apps knows that poor behaviour thrives in these spaces. Fake profiles abound (here’s how to spot them), near-anonymity can tempt men to send unsolicited dick pics, and women can be coerced into sharing intimate or personal details. A recent BBC survey found that between 2017 and 2021, more than 6,000 people reported offences linked to dating apps and one in five were sexual offences. Dating apps need to do more to prioritise the safety of their users.

Safety is at the heart of Evntful’s mission. Female-led, the dating app Evntful was founded by Tegan Broomfield. Developed in response to negative experiences Broomfield and her friends had on existing dating platforms, Evntful aims to address users’ frustrations with traditional dating apps. With an emphasis on real-life interactions and shared interests, this new dating app on the block is designed to transform how people connect.

Alongside her team, Broomfield strives to create a safer and more supportive environment for users seeking meaningful connections. Users can book specific dates directly within the app, making it easy to share availability for fun outings throughout the week. They can also share their location with emergency contacts (and, if needed, the user they are dating). The app also prompts check-ins during a date, and if a user feels unsafe, they can tap “I need help” to notify their contacts and Evntful’s team.

To maximise the chances of safe encounters, Evntful verifies every user before they’re granted access to the dating app. Currently, only users in the London area will be accepted as the in-app booking feature is initially limited to London. By having a smaller, more engaged user base, the profiles you see on Evntful will likely belong to people eager to book dates and who support the mission of promoting safer, more enjoyable dating experiences. 

Share Experiences to Connect

Despite our digital age, face-to-face interactions never go out of style – especially for those seeking love. Eventbrite’s Head of Community, Roseli Ilano, says the events website received 2 million searches for dating and singles events in 2023; a 40% increase from the previous year. People crave in-person connections over aimless swiping, perhaps as a hangover from the pandemic.

The dating app Thursday hinges (oops) on this premise. On Thursday, users are prompted to arrange a date shortly after exchanging just a handful of messages but blocks the messaging function for six days of the week. While this encourages connections to meet in real life, it doesn’t prioritise their safety. Dating apps like Thursday also promote in-person meetups at singles events, meaning users often arrive without prior matches. Feedback from some people suggests this can create intense dynamics, with reports of worrying instances of men following women into Ubers after events. Clearly, this raises safety concerns.

But this isn’t a blog post about Thursday. 

Evntful allows users to message potential dates back and forth before scheduling a date so both users feel confident meeting.

However, for many, it’s the date that’s the rub.

So many singletons are bored with the “dinner and drinks” dating model. A full 90% of Gen Zers say they’re frustrated with dating apps and want to connect with someone over shared interests. With the Evntful dating app, choose from exciting date spots such as London’s Alcotraz, Tequila Mockingbird or Lucy Wong cocktail bars – or flex your oral or ball skills with activities like karaoke and golf. Step outside the usual dinner and drinks routine and date in a relaxed environment where you can be yourself.

Focusing on hobbies and activities, Evntful allows users to fill out their schedules, find a match and book a date at one of the many unique venue partners. Through partnering with venues, Evntful helps ensure the safety of users because staff at the dating spot are fully informed about Evntful’s approach and can actively monitor events and lovebirds.

Partnered venues also provide exclusive discounts for users who book their dates through the app. By tailoring the app to user preferences, Evntful can help you suggest fun dates that suit your (and your match’s) interests.

With Evntful’s intent to foster “meaningful connections based on shared interests and memorable dating experiences“, this new dating app could be the antidote Gen Zers seek.

Join the Evntful waitlist and if you’re accepted you can download the app in winter 2024.