Being Single Doesn’t Mean Being Lonely: Redefining Relationships

Interview with Natalia Sergovantseva, Co-founder of SoulMatcher.app

Question: Natalia, we often hear about the “loneliness crisis.” Is there really such a crisis, and how is it impacting the dating app industry?

Natalia Sergovantseva: Absolutely, there is a real loneliness crisis today. Research indicates around 13% of Europeans frequently experience loneliness, with similar figures in the UK and the US—where nearly 20% of adults report feeling lonely daily. Despite dating apps like Tinder and Bumble becoming massively popular, loneliness remains pervasive. Ironically, dating apps often amplify isolation by encouraging quick judgments based purely on appearance, creating superficial connections and leading to frequent disappointment.

Question: What has led us to this point? What’s fuelling this loneliness?

Natalia Sergovantseva: Several factors have contributed to this issue. Social media has significantly raised the bar for perceived success, constantly showcasing idealized lives. Men particularly face pressure from portrayals of hyper-successful individuals who seem to have it all—wealth, attractiveness, and popularity. Economically, younger generations face housing crises, job insecurity, and higher living costs, causing them to delay starting families or serious relationships. This stress, combined with fear of not meeting expectations, especially among men, often results in withdrawal from dating altogether.

Question: But why hasn’t the boom of dating apps solved this loneliness crisis?

Natalia Sergovantseva: Initially, dating apps seemed like a revolutionary solution. However, the “swipe culture” has inadvertently fostered anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Men often feel invisible or unworthy due to unrealistic expectations—such as needing to own property or meet certain financial benchmarks to even be considered. Women, on the other hand, often face endless superficial interactions that rarely lead to meaningful relationships. For example, recent surveys in the UK found nearly 1.4 million people have quit dating apps due to frustration and fatigue, reinforcing loneliness rather than alleviating it.

Question: What does the future hold for dating?

Natalia Sergovantseva: The future of dating will likely become more personalized and intentional. Advances in technology, like AI-driven matchmaking and virtual reality dating environments, could enhance meaningful interactions by focusing on compatibility beyond physical appearance. For instance, AI coaching services might help individuals better communicate and navigate emotional complexities. However, the widespread use of virtual relationships or AI companionship could also pose challenges, potentially diminishing our ability to engage authentically with real-life partners.

Question: And what about the future of family and relationships?

Natalia Sergovantseva: Family dynamics are shifting dramatically. Fewer people are marrying, and those who do are marrying later, significantly impacting fertility rates. In the UK, marriage rates recently fell below 50% for the first time, and fertility rates reached historic lows. Despite these changes, the fundamental desire for strong, lasting relationships remains. Stunning, accomplished women increasingly seek partners who match or exceed their own socioeconomic status. Meanwhile, successful men often look for women who value family life and emotional closeness above career or financial ambitions. We’re seeing a trend towards alternative family models built on genuine compatibility rather than traditional norms.

Question: How is SoulMatcher addressing these issues and fostering meaningful connections?

Natalia Sergovantseva: At SoulMatcher, we prioritize quality over quantity by limiting daily connections to foster meaningful matches. Our premium app focuses on Gen Z, a group deeply affected by loneliness—nearly 30% report feeling isolated. SoulMatcher Club eliminates endless swiping, awkward small talk, and emotional burnout. Instead, we offer curated matches based on psychotype, leading to deeper, more fulfilling connections. Our VIP Concierge supports those seeking long-term relationships, while AI filters out abusers and low-quality matches to keep interactions safe. SoulMatcher isn’t just a service—it’s a way to reclaim your energy, clarity, and confidence.