Tinder launches IRL events so users can finally reject each other in 3D

Tinder on Thursday announced a new slate of in-person events designed to "bring the magic of mutual disinterest into the real world," as the dating app seeks to re-engage users wary of endless swiping.

“Early tests show that 94% of attendees reported “an authentic sense of being ignored,” while 61% said they appreciated being ghosted in real time, according to company survey data.”

The initiative, called Tinder IRL, will roll out in 37 cities and 4 structurally unsound suburban malls over the next quarter, a spokesperson confirmed.

At the events, attendees will be able to enact familiar app behaviors face-to-face, including swiping left by subtly pivoting their entire body 15 degrees away from a person, according to internal event guidelines reviewed by reporters.

A premium ticket tier, priced at $89.99, will allow users to pre-book up to three live rejections per hour and receive a push notification when someone decides not to make eye contact.

Tinder will also pilot “3D Speed Unmatching,” a format where participants sit at small tables for 45 seconds before silently standing up and walking away in opposite directions.

Early tests show that 94% of attendees reported “an authentic sense of being ignored,” while 61% said they appreciated being ghosted in real time, according to company survey data.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs noted the move could reduce “swipe fatigue” by shifting emotional burnout from the wrist to the entire nervous system, unlocking new categories of wellness add-ons.

Tinder executives said they are exploring additional formats, including hybrid events where participants can reject each other simultaneously online and in person for a "seamless omnichannel disappointment experience."

Future product roadmaps include augmented reality overlays showing each attendee’s predicted time-to-ghost in minutes, with beta features expected to enter limited human trials by early 2025.