From swipe fatigue to conscious connection: Expert predicts major dating culture shift in 2024

Leading dating and wellbeing expert Stacy Thomson, founder of attachment-focused dating app Reddi, reveals why 2024 marks a pivotal turning point in modern dating, as singles increasingly reject superficial dating culture in favour of more meaningful connections.

‘After years of swipe-based dating and endless digital options, we’re witnessing a significant shift in how people approach finding love,’ Thomson explains. ‘Singles, especially busy professionals, are experiencing what I call “connection fatigue” – they’re tired of surface-level interactions and ready for something more substantial.’

Key Dating Trends Reshaping Romance in 2024:

The Rise of Conscious Dating: The era of mindless swiping is giving way to more intentional dating practices. ‘Singles are becoming more selective about who they invest their emotional energy in,’ Thomson notes. ‘They’re asking deeper questions earlier and being more upfront about their intentions.’

Thomson advises: ‘Before you start dating, write down your non-negotiables – not just physical preferences, but emotional needs and core values. This clarity helps you make better choices from the start.’

Attachment Style Revolution: Understanding personal attachment patterns has become crucial in modern dating. ‘Your attachment style – whether secure, anxious, or avoidant – acts like an emotional blueprint,’ Thomson explains. ‘It influences everything from who you’re attracted to, to how you communicate in relationships.’

‘When you understand your attachment style, you can identify patterns that may have sabotaged previous relationships. This self-awareness is transformative.’

Quality Over Digital Quantity: The ‘paradox of choice’ in dating apps is facing strong pushback. ‘Having unlimited options hasn’t made finding love easier – it’s made it more overwhelming,’ Thomson observes. ‘We’re seeing a trend towards more curated dating experiences where quality of matches takes precedence over quantity.’

Emotional Intelligence: The New Dating Currency Surface-level attraction is no longer enough. ‘Emotional intelligence has become the most attractive quality in 2024,’ says Thomson. ‘Singles are prioritising partners who can communicate effectively, show empathy, and demonstrate emotional availability.’

The Death of Dating Games: ‘The traditional dating “rules” are becoming obsolete,’ Thomson notes. ‘Modern singles value authenticity over playing it cool. They’re more interested in genuine connection than strategic texting delays.’

Essential Dating Strategies for 2024:

1. Emotional Preparation

• Understand your attachment style through self-reflection or professional guidance
• Process any unresolved feelings from previous relationships
• Define your relationship goals clearly before actively dating

2. Authentic Communication

• Be upfront about your intentions from the first interaction
• Share your values and deal-breakers early in the dating process
• Practice active listening during dates instead of just waiting for your turn to speak

3. Mindful Selection

• Limit your time on dating apps to avoid digital burnout
• Focus on having meaningful conversations with fewer matches
• Trust your intuition about potential connections

4. Value-Based Dating

• Prioritise shared values over shared interests
• Look for emotional maturity and self-awareness in potential partners
• Pay attention to how someone treats others, not just you

‘The future of dating isn’t about collecting matches or following arbitrary rules,’ Thomson concludes. ‘It’s about being intentional with your time and emotional energy, understanding yourself deeply, and remaining open to authentic connections. In 2024, the most successful daters will be those who prioritise quality over quantity and emotional depth over surface-level attraction.’

For those ready to transform their approach to dating, Thomson recommends starting with self-reflection: Before you focus on finding the right person, make sure you understand yourself first. The clearer you are about your own patterns and needs, the better equipped you’ll be to recognise genuine compatibility when you find it.

The Reddi app is private and available on iOS and check out the website here.