Those running apps are quick to point out online is still a big part in the way people meet.
New research from Match Group, which owns Tinder and Hinge, suggests that out of those who had ever had a romantic relationship, about 21% of baby boomers surveyed met their most recent partner at a pub, bar or club.
Among Gen Z, it was just 4%.
The survey of 3,007 single people also suggests that of those who had ever had a relationship, 20% met their most recent partner on a dating app and 20% met through friends.
Chine Mmegwa, head of strategy, corporate development and operations at Match Group, said Tinder has made tweaks to its service in the past year to win back younger daters.
As well as helping users find out more about each other in advance of dates, through interactive music and astrology features, it has introduced “double date mode” for friends who want to date together.
And she said Tinder is doing more to encourage people to connect IRL. “They want to be in person. You’ve seen us launch events across the US and now the UK. We are bringing IRL experiences into the app.
“What we’re doing is putting IRL into our experience. And so we are bringing that gap to what they’re looking for in person, using the apps.”
In Guildford, Olivia says her night was a success because she met some men she might want to go on a first date with.
When pushed by the BBC on whether she thought she had met “the one”, she laughs and becomes understandably guarded.
“No, I’m not going to name anyone specific. But you’ll be invited to the wedding if there is one!”
