Debate Night: Dating Apps

When digital matchmaking first appeared in the early 2000s, it arrived quietly, an experiment mixing technology with one of humanity’s oldest social rituals. As smartphones spread and online life became inseparable from daily life, these platforms grew from novelty to near-universal habit. Meeting someone shifted from coincidence and social circles to profiles, swipes, and curated introductions. It wasn’t a sudden revolution but a gradual drift, subtle enough that most people only realised the change in hindsight.

Over the years, these tools shaped the rhythms of how people meet and present themselves, influencing not just individual behaviour but the broader culture of courtship. Their rise seemed unstoppable, an emblem of modern connection. And yet, more recently, signs of fatigue have emerged: slowing growth, shrinking user enthusiasm, and discussions about whether this era may have peaked. And so, as we look at this shift tonight, we ask: where does this evolution leave us now?

This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two.

Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience.

We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming:

• Respect ideas and people Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs.
• Be concise and civil Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination.
• Respect boundaries and time No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate.
• Follow moderators They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.