Milton Keynes singles join 1 million disillusioned online daters as Dating Sunday fatigue hits

As millions of people across the UK prepare to swipe relentlessly on Dating Sunday, a growing number of singles in Milton Keynes are choosing a very different approach.

We are inviting local singles to step away from dating apps and instead focus on connection, community and conversation by taking part in In Person Dating Sunday.

Saying no to swipe culture on Dating Sunday

Dating Sunday is widely recognised as the busiest day of the year for dating apps. Platforms such as Tinder and Hinge have historically reported huge spikes in downloads, matches and messages on the first Sunday of January, as people set New Year’s resolutions around relationships.

In fact, internal Tinder data has previously revealed that the first Sunday of the year sees a surge in activity like no other day — with swiping truly off the scale.

But while activity is up, enthusiasm is wearing thin.

UK dating industry reports show that 78% of singles now report dating app burnout, with declining mental wellbeing cited as a major reason people are stepping away from swipe culture altogether. According to Ofcom’s Online Nation data and wider industry analysis, the UK’s 10 largest dating apps lost 16% of users between 2023 and 2024 — equating to around one million fewer people using dating apps nationwide.

We are seeing this shift first-hand in Milton Keynes.

“We meet so many people who are exhausted by dating apps,” said Rachel Allen, co-founder of Solo Connects. “They want something human again — real conversations, laughter, and the chance to meet people naturally.”

What is In Person Dating Sunday?

Instead of spending Dating Sunday glued to a screen, we are offering local singles the chance to spend the day connecting in real life.

If you’re single and living in or around Milton Keynes, In Person Dating Sunday offers a full agenda designed to help you kick-start your New Year’s dating intentions in a relaxed, pressure-free way. The day includes:

• Age-specific guided walks

• Brunch and lunch events

• Opportunities to meet other local singles naturally

• A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere focused on conversation rather than “selling yourself”

It’s not about speed dating or forced romance. It’s about meeting people as people.

A supportive alternative to Dating Sunday and “Divorce Day”

Dating Sunday also closely precedes “Divorce Day” — the first working Monday in January — when family law firms traditionally report a rise in enquiries after the festive period.

For many, early January is a time of reflection. Some people are newly single. Others are considering re-entering the dating world after a break. And many are simply questioning whether dating apps are helping or harming their wellbeing.

“This time of year can feel emotionally heavy,” said Samantha Poole, co-founder of Solo Connects. “No matter where you are in your journey, Solo Connects can support you. People come to our events looking for friendship, dating or both. We believe it’s important to take your time, build a great life for yourself when you’re single, and not feel pressured to rush into a romantic relationship.”

Building a real-world singles community in Milton Keynes

Founded in late 2024, Solo Connects has quickly become one of Milton Keynes’ most active and engaged singles communities.

In its first year alone, Solo Connects has:

• Hosted 50+ local events

• Sold nearly 5,000 tickets

• Built a loyal community where singles form friendships, relationships and social circles — often extending far beyond dating

For many of our members, Solo Connects isn’t just about dating. It’s about belonging, confidence and rediscovering the joy of meeting people face-to-face.

How to get involved

In Person Dating Sunday is open to all single adults in and around Milton Keynes who are curious about a more human way to connect.

If you’re ready to step away from swiping and try something different this Dating Sunday, you can find full event details and upcoming dates at: