Gen Z in Arizona is changing how they date, moving away from dating apps and exploring new ways to meet people. At Dating News and Dating Advice, we conducted surveys to understand why Gen Z is stepping back from dating apps and what their new dating preferences are. While our study covers data from various states, here are the specific findings for Arizona when it comes to favorite ways to date:

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1. Why Gen Z in Arizona is Ditching Dating Apps

General Fatigue: All of Gen Z in Arizona (100.00%) are tired of dating apps.

Emotional and Mental Distress (Net): 31.07%

  • Digital Fatigue 19.42%
  • Emotional Burnout 14.56%:

Treating it Like a Game (Net): 28.16%

  • Using it for Validation (16.50%): Seeking likes and matches to feel good.
  • Using it for Entertainment (11.65%): Treating it like a mobile game, swiping for fun.

The Experience is Not What’s Promised (Net): 52.43%

  • Too Much Rejection 17.48%
  • Too Many False Matches 12.62% 
  • Lack of Genuine Connection 14.56% 
  • Choice Paralysis 15.53% Holding out for a better match, overwhelmed by options.
  • Too Expensive 11.65%

Preferring Alternatives (Net): 23.30%

  • Prefer IRL Alternatives (17.48%): Introductions, speed dating, meet-cutes.
  • Other Apps Work Better for Finding Dates (6.80%): TikTok, Instagram.

2. How Gen Z in Arizona Prefers to Date Instead

In-Person Preferences (Net): 96.25% of Arizona Gen Z prefer to meet in person. This includes those who prefer:

  • Typical Meet-Ups through Friends, Family, or School (7.37%)
  • Social Gatherings like Parties or Weddings (10.53%)
  • In-Person Meet-Cutes at Places like Grocery Stores or Bookstores (13.68%)
  • Local Events such as Sporting Events, LARPing, or Concerts (11.58%)
  • Meeting at Work, including Offices and Co-Working Spaces (20.00%)
  • Local Clubs and Classes like Running, Hiking, or Cooking (10.53%)
  • Organized Meet-Ups like Speed Dating (22.11%)
  • Standing Up for a Cause at Protests or Rallies (15.79%)
  • Somewhere Atypical like Funerals or Doctor’s Offices (17.89%)

Online Preferences (Net): 42.11% of Arizona Gen Z prefer meeting online. This includes those who prefer:

  • Popular Dating Apps or Websites such as Tinder, Bumble, or eHarmony (16.84%)
  • Social Media Apps like Instagram or TikTok (12.63%)
  • Meeting in VR, including the Metaverse or Augmented Reality (13.68%)