Dating-app fatigue has become a pervasive issue, with many singles expressing exhaustion from endless swiping and superficial judgments. A new platform, Single Social Club, launching from Tampa Bay, offers a different approach: instead of making every interaction about finding a date, it encourages singles to live their lives around other singles through shared activities. Created by professional matchmaker Felicity G. Morgan, founder of Assured Matchmaking, and co-founded with technology lead Greg Miceli, the platform seeks to address the growing burnout associated with traditional dating apps.
Morgan's inspiration came from conversations with singles who felt drained by modern dating. "I kept hearing the same thing," she said. "'I'm taking a break from dating. I'm focusing on myself. I'm tired of the apps.' And I thought, okay. Focus on yourself. But why should focusing on yourself mean sitting at home?" This question led to the creation of Single Social Club, which removes swiping entirely. Members begin with an activity from over 157 options, such as kayaking, pickleball, dining, trivia, fitness, and entertainment. They choose what they genuinely want to do, set their travel radius, age preferences, and availability. The technology then finds the overlap, assembling small groups of approximately six to eight people.
The platform also introduces code names for members, allowing them to interact without immediately revealing their full identities. This provides a temporary group environment where participants can coordinate without sharing personal contact information upfront. A verification process is in place before participation, with privacy and safety as core considerations, though the platform acknowledges that no system can guarantee behavior.
This approach matters because it challenges the efficiency-driven nature of modern dating, which often prioritizes quick judgments based on photos or profiles. The viral format of shows like Pop the Balloon and Love Is Blind highlight how people may eliminate potential matches before meaningful interaction. Morgan believes this efficiency can be detrimental: "We've gotten incredibly efficient at disqualifying each other. A picture. Height. Shoes. A job title. One sentence in a profile. Sometimes we're deciding what somebody isn't before we've had an opportunity to experience who they are." Single Social Club flips the sequence—activity first, person second, romance only if it develops.
The implications extend beyond dating. The platform caters to those taking a break from dating, newly divorced parents rebuilding social lives, professionals whose friends are busy, and anyone seeking to expand their social circle without pressure. Research on dating-app use has increasingly examined burnout and emotional exhaustion, and Single Social Club offers a potential solution by focusing on real-world experiences. After an activity, members can privately indicate interest in someone; mutual interest is recognized, and Morgan's Assured Matchmaking can optionally assist. There is no public rejection or popularity counter.
Technology lead Greg Miceli emphasizes that the platform's success means people put their phones away. "Most technology is designed to keep you on the screen," he said. "We're building something that's supposed to help you get off the screen." The web app is accessible via browser, with options to save to the home screen. Starting in Tampa Bay, the founders plan to expand as participation grows. Introductory access is $1 for 30 days, then $20 per month for Basic membership, including up to five activity opportunities. As Morgan puts it, "Don't join because I promised you're going to meet the love of your life. Join because there's something you've been wanting to do. Go do it. Let life surprise you from there."
