
The Daily Is the Swipe Era Over?
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Feb 22, 2026 Amanda Hess, NYT writer at large who reported on AI matchmaking and the Love Symposium. Luke Vander Ploeg, producer who tried in-person singles events firsthand. Gina Cherelus, NYT dating columnist who tracks modern romance. They explore swipe fatigue, a return to curated in-person mixers, and bold AI matchmaking ideas — plus the tradeoffs of data‑driven love.
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Apps Weaken In-Person Dating Skills
- Apps reduced incentives to approach people in real life and weakened rejection resilience.
- Heavy texting and edited online interactions erode nonverbal cue reading and increase misunderstandings.
Wrestling Speed Dating In Brooklyn
- Luke attended a Gen Z-focused Wrestling Speed Dating event in Brooklyn to observe alternatives to apps.
- The venue had pink mats and DIY ropes and participants eagerly signed up to wrestle one another.
Physical Contact Sparked Quick Chemistry
- The wrestling rounds mixed athleticism and performance with WWE-style moves.
- Some participants reported chemistry and exchanged contact information after matches.



