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Valentine’s Day 2026 didn’t spark the usual rush on dating apps, according to Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO of Happn. In a February 14 interview on RMC, she highlighted a growing trend: singles increasingly view being single on the romantic holiday as no big deal.
An internal Happn survey found that 39% of respondents said it’s “not very serious” to be single during Valentine’s Day. Ben Abdelmalek encouraged listeners not to feel pressured: “In 2026, there’s no need to put pressure on yourself because you’re single today. On the contrary, it’s more about assumed, chosen singlehood. We take the time to find the right person – we’re not rushing.”
Peak activity on the location-based app occurs elsewhere. January sees significant registration spikes from post-holiday “new year’s resolutions,” when family gatherings often remind people of their single status. Summer follows as a lighter, more social season conducive to meetings. Valentine’s Day itself generates less urgency – slower, intentional connections over rapid swiping. Users, tired of time-consuming apps, demand more personalization. Happn’s algorithm prioritizes shared interests and real-life crossed paths to suggest relevant matches, which naturally comes closer to meeting those demands.
Safety and authenticity remain priorities amid AI challenges. Ben Abdelmalek noted the rise of fake or AI-generated profiles, prompting Happn to launch a new reporting feature for AI-linked accounts. The goal was to prevent disappointment when online images don’t match real-life appearances, which fits with Happn’s focus on dates being a quick 30-minute coffee or drink in low-pressure spots like parks and gyms. “There’s no need to be embarrassed to talk about money on a date,” she said.
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