Bumble is eliminating its signature swipe feature, marking a significant shift for the dating app industry. The company reported a 14% revenue decline and 21% drop in paying users in Q1 2026, prompting this strategic move toward AI-driven matchmaking to combat dating app fatigue among users.

Dating apps have transformed how Americans find love, with three in ten adults having used them and one in ten committed relationships starting online. Yet nearly 80% of daters report feeling emotionally exhausted by the apps, with experts arguing swiping creates "superficial, snap judgments" and treats people as disposable.

Bumble's AI assistant "Bee" aims to understand users' values and relationship goals, suggesting matches based on deeper compatibility metrics. This pivot reflects broader industry attempts to address user concerns while attempting to revive profits in a competitive market where many daters are abandoning apps altogether.