Matching Apps Now a 'Standard Way to Meet': Changes in Pre-Meeting Communication as Usage Spreads (2022-2026 Comparison)

Omiai, a matching app operated by Omiai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Yoshiki Imai), in collaboration with Renai Konkatsu Lab, a marketing research institute for unmarried men and women operated by Parasol Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Saki Ito), conducted a longitudinal survey of Omiai users from 2022 onwards to compare and analyze changes.

The results revealed that the penetration of matching apps among peers has progressed gradually, with the proportion of people sharing their usage with others remaining around 50% throughout the years. Furthermore, reactions from peers were more positive in 2026 compared to 2023. In terms of user behavior, more people are incorporating phone or online dates before an actual meeting, suggesting a tendency to deepen communication carefully before seeing each other.

Matching apps have evolved from something 'special' to a 'familiar encounter option' over time, with usage styles changing in a more natural and positive direction.

Summary: 1. Gradual spread of matching app penetration among peers: The segment feeling that 'about half are using them' increased (18.6% → 22.0%). 2. Disclosure rate of app usage remains around 60%: Using apps without hiding it has become the 'norm.' 3. Reactions from peers are more positive compared to 2023: Positive responses rose to approx. 60% (55.6% → 61.7%). 4. Message count before inviting for a date has slightly shortened: The segment inviting within '5-10 exchanges' increased. 5. Increase in people who have phone/online dates before meeting: Growing preference for pre-meeting communication (22.7% → 29.0%).

1. Gradual spread of matching app penetration among peers: When asked about the penetration of matching apps among their peers, the response 'about half are using them' was 18.6% in 2022, 21.5% in 2025, and 22.0% in 2026, showing a gradual upward trend. It can be said that the use of matching apps has become established.

2. Disclosure rate remains around 60%: Regarding whether users tell their peers about using matching apps, those answering 'yes' were 57.0% in 2022, 59.0% in 2023, 51.4% in 2025, and 57.2% in 2026. While there are small fluctuations year by year, the overall trend is around 60%. This indicates that sharing app usage has become a standard behavior, and using apps is increasingly seen as a natural choice for romance and marriage hunting rather than something to hide.

3. Reactions from peers are more positive compared to 2023: Comparing reactions from peers between 2023 and 2026, 'positive reactions' rose from 55.6% to 61.7%. Meanwhile, 'negative reactions' dropped from 27.8% to 17.5%. This clearly shows that social acceptance of matching apps is progressing, with negative perceptions decreasing.

4. Message count before inviting for a date has slightly shortened: Looking at the number of messages before an invitation, 'within 5-10 exchanges' rose from 29.2% in 2022 to 32.6% in 2026. Conversely, '21 or more exchanges' fell from 23.7% in 2022 to 20.4% in 2026. This doesn't necessarily mean people are rushing to meet; rather, it suggests an 'efficiency and mental-performance orientation'—getting to know someone just enough through communication to reduce mismatches after meeting.

5. Increase in people who have phone/online dates before meeting: Regarding whether they have phone or online dates before meeting in person, those answering 'yes' rose from 22.7% in 2022 to 29.0% in 2026, a 6.3-point increase. The need to check someone's voice and vibe before an in-person meeting has intensified in recent years, with more people using this as a buffer to ensure safety and prevent mismatches.

Summary: This survey confirms that the use of matching apps is spreading gradually and is increasingly perceived as something 'normal' among peers. Furthermore, changes in disclosure behavior and social reactions indicate that these apps are no longer special but are accepted as a general option for meeting people. Changes in user behavior, such as slightly shorter messaging periods and the rise of pre-meeting calls, were also observed.