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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Chris Stokel-Walker

Goodbye Tinder, hello Strava: have ‘hobby’ apps become the new social networks?

Five runners passing under a bridge.
Strava, an app connecting and tracking runners, has had a 20% increase in user numbers, year on year. Photograph: vgajic/Getty Images

Singletons looking to shack up with their soulmates online have relied on two key routes in the past decade or so: take your chance on dating apps, or befriend as many mutuals as possible on social media, in the hope that you find the one.

But some have found a third way, using services such as Goodreads and Strava to meet partners with whom they hope to spend the rest of their lives. Those couples proved to be trendsetters. So-called hobby apps – built around activites such as running, reading or movie-going – are having a moment, and not just for love.

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