Meeting people and making connections are often done with a single swipe, making dating events seem like a thing of the past. However, they’re making a significant comeback – and for good reason. Research shows that face-to-face interactions allow for deeper, more meaningful connections to form as opposed to virtual communication. This is what makes dating events that much more impactful and allows for more real relationships to develop. Events & Adventures is the largest supporter of this movement, as we host over 30 events every single month in each of 15 locations across the US and Canada. We’re here to prove why dating events work better than other methods of meeting someone new and why they might be the key to finding your perfect match through the help of psychology research.
1. The Power of First Impressions
First impressions are everything – to everyday people and psychologists alike. When you meet someone in person, you’re able to gauge their body language, tone of voice, and mannerisms very quickly – things that are often lost in text-based communication. A study by Princeton psychologists found that people form an impression of a stranger within just a few seconds of meeting them. These initial impressions are crucial in determining attraction and connection.
When you attend dating events or social clubs like Events & Adventures, you’re able to form a more holistic view of a person, something dating apps can’t offer. Swiping through profiles limits your first impression of someone to photos and a bio, while in-person events allow participants to engage with someone’s entire personality.
2. Social Proof and Group Dynamics
Another psychological aspect that comes into play with dating events is the concept of social proof. Social proof is the idea that people generally look to others to guide their actions and choices, especially in unfamiliar situations like a dating event. Seeing others engage and form connections at these events can boost your confidence and validate the idea that meeting people in this setting is natural.
Moreover, group dynamics tend to ease social anxiety. Attending a structured event, where everyone is there with a common goal in mind, creates a shared experience. This environment lowers the pressure to perform or impress because everyone is in the same boat. Knowing that others are experiencing the same nerves and excitement makes participants feel more comfortable, increasing the likelihood of forming genuine connections. This is exactly what Events & Adventures is all about – bringing singles together in low-pressure environments!
3. Non-Verbal Communication
Much of human communication happens non-verbally. In fact, research suggests that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal, meaning that body language, eye contact, and facial expressions all have their own meaning. At dating events, participants can pick up on these cues, which play a significant role in attraction and how they go about forming a connection.
For example, maintaining eye contact in a conversation or mirroring someone’s body language can create a sense of connection and rapport. These subtle signals help in determining whether people are attracted to one another. Online dating removes this layer of communication, making it harder to form genuine connections based solely on text interactions and often results in ghosting. This is why social clubs like Events & Adventures are so important. Our goal is to change the dating game and get people to think of their dating life in an entirely new way.
4. The Impact of Shared Experiences
Psychological studies have found – and we think everyone reading can agree – that shared experiences create strong bonds between people. Dating events hosted by Events & Adventures incorporate ice-breaker activities, speed dating rounds, or group games that allow our members to share an experience rather than simply engage in small talk. These shared activities help to break down barriers and foster a sense of camaraderie between each other, making it easier for people to connect on a deeper level.
When you participate in the same activity as someone else, your brain releases something called a “love hormone” or oxytocin. This hormone increases feelings of trust and attachment, which can be crucial in the early stages of forming a romantic connection. Dating events provide this natural boost, something that virtual conversations can’t replicate.
5. Reduced Decision Fatigue
One of the major drawbacks of online dating is decision fatigue. With countless profiles to swipe through, it can become overwhelming to choose who to connect with, leading to less satisfaction with your choices. Psychologist Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice, argues that too many choices can actually make us less happy with the decisions we make.
Dating events reduce this decision fatigue by presenting a limited yet varied group of potential matches in a structured time frame. This setup allows participants to focus on quality interactions rather than endlessly searching for the next option. In-person dating events force you to slow down and give each person a fair chance, which can lead to more thoughtful and intentional connections. When you join Events & Adventures, you can expect to attend exclusive events with some awesome singles who are ditching the dating app decision fatigue and want to live life to the fullest.
6. Immediate Feedback and Chemistry
With dating events, feedback is immediate. You can instantly sense chemistry – or lack thereof – within minutes of meeting someone. This immediate feedback eliminates the guesswork that often comes with online dating, where days or weeks can go by before realizing the connection isn’t right.
In-person interactions offer a clearer picture of whether a relationship has potential. Are they attentive? Does the conversation flow easily? Is there a spark between you? These questions are easier to answer in a real-life setting, where all the elements of communication come together.
7. Emotional Contagion: The Energy of the Room
There’s also the phenomenon of emotional contagion, which occurs when someone’s emotions and related behaviors lead to similar emotions and behaviors in others. Dating events often have a lively, positive atmosphere since participants are excited about the potential of meeting someone new. This collective energy can be contagious, making you feel more confident and open to forming connections.
This is a stark contrast to online dating, which can sometimes feel isolating and lead to burnout. At a well-run dating event through Events & Adventures, the upbeat environment encourages members to let their guard down and have fun, which in turn makes for better, more authentic interactions.
Get Real with Events & Adventures
Successful dating events are more than just social gatherings – they’re designed to facilitate human connection in ways that online dating apps can’t. By paying attention to first impressions, non-verbal communication, shared experiences, and emotional contagion, dating events provide a scientifically-backed platform for fostering meaningful relationships.
If you’re tired of mindlessly scrolling through online dating apps and want a more genuine way to meet someone, dating events with Events & Adventures are the way to go. Combine in-person events with the science of human interaction and you get the ideal setting to find friendships, or potentially love. To learn more about Events & Adventures and rethink how you meet people, contact us today.