Adventure instead of dinner: how dating culture is changing
The time of going on the same old dates is coming to an end. According to a new study, 93% of single people are sick and tired of the same old dinners, awkward conversations over a glass of wine and the never-ending cycle of swiping on apps. Instead, they're after real adventures that can form the basis for a deep connection.
This demand is creating a new trend: adventure-based dating, where emotional excitement is achieved through overcoming physical challenges together. These days, people are looking for all kinds of experiences to find love. They might go for something like go-kart racing or even travel into the unknown together. It's a way to get to know someone better than by just chatting online for hours on end. This trend is not only changing the way couples behave, but also forcing the dating industry to come up with new ways for people to get together, including video chat.
Adrenaline gets the better of you
The psychological mechanism of an adventurous date is spot on. When two people are faced with a challenge that needs guts, quick thinking or working together (like climbing a wall, an escape room or kayaking), their brains go from analysing to action. The internal monologue that's always going on in your head disappears. You're left thinking, 'What should I talk about next? Do they like me?' is replaced by a focus on a common goal.
The study says that over 80% of people think these dates actually help the relationship move forward and avoid stagnation. Half of the people we asked said that ordinary dates were ruined by awkward silences, and 35% blame smartphones for distracting them from talking to each other. A joint challenge is the best way to solve these problems:
It's a great way to create shared memories: After you've been on a roller coaster, you'll always remember the screams and your partner's smile. It becomes your personal story from the very beginning.
It removes psychological barriers: When people are feeling a bit stressed or excited, they tend to act more naturally and don't put on a show.
Shifts the focus: People are more focused on the task at hand than on each other, which helps to keep things relaxed.
This approach is especially popular among Generation Z, with 98% of them saying they're up for some thrilling dates. This generation, which grew up in the experience economy, naturally understands that real closeness comes from shared emotions, not from a perfectly crafted CV on a dating app page.
Video chat is the perfect way to get ready for an adventure
How do you find someone who's up for more than dinner? How about bungee jumping? Traditional apps, designed for static photos and text profiles, just aren't suited to helping you find like-minded people who are up for adventure. Here, formats that let you evaluate not only how a potential partner looks, but also their energy, charisma and spontaneous reaction are really important.
Live video chat is the perfect way to get started. Services like Vidizzy video chat, CooMeet.chat, and Monkey chat offer something that text messaging lacks: the instant 'chemistry' of live communication. After chatting on Vidizzy video chat for 10-15 minutes, you can get a good idea of your conversation partner's sense of humour, energy levels and how willing they are to improvise. A video call like this is like a mini adventure, and it's a real-time compatibility test.
It's just common sense, really. If the goal is to get people interacting offline, then it makes sense to start with the most lively and interactive online format you can. A video call lets you quickly filter out those whose energy isn't in sync with yours and find someone with whom you want to plan a real adventure right away. When 42% of people say that high-adrenaline dates make them feel vulnerable, it's really useful to be able to see if someone's being genuine in a chat roulette.
From a go-karting centre to an unknown country
The idea of adventure is not just for the local amusement park. It's clear that travel is becoming more and more popular, and people are really looking forward to the rush they get from it. Katie Nastro, a travel expert, says that more and more people are combining the search for love with exploring the world. Travelling with a new person or meeting someone on a trip is the best way to test if you are compatible, because it's unpredictable and stressful.
The study shows the most popular activities that people like to do when they travel: surfing, flying, parasailing and rock climbing. These activities are not just fun — 55% of people say that they show how calm someone is under pressure, and 49% believe that they reveal how good someone is at solving problems. Travelling together can test your financial habits and how flexible you are. It can also test how well you can support each other in unexpected situations.
The trend is becoming more popular with people of all ages: 98% of Zoomers and 96% of Millennials are excited about the idea, and even 75% of Baby Boomers are willing to try it. This is a signal for businesses: from travel companies that can create safe group tours for solo travellers to active holiday organisers offering ready-made scenarios for unusual first dates. The future of dating is all about platforms and services that sell not just contact, but a ready-made adventure for two people.
The final conclusion is simple: in a world where digital footprints are often more important than real personalities, people crave authenticity. A date that is full of excitement, with a live video chat beforehand, is the best way to make sure it is real. It is a way of saying no to games and masks. Instead, it is about having a shared experience. This could be the start of a great story or the most fun and unusual date of your life. Either way, it will be honest.