Welcome to LinkedIn, the not-so-new kid on the dating block. Founded in 2002 as the professional's playground, it's now taking an unexpected turn. Gen Z, the masterminds of life hacks, have decided LinkedIn is not just for career moves but romantic maneuvers, too.

Loving an MBA

The topic of using LinkedIn for dating has reemerged as Candice Gallagher, a TikTok sensation, spills the beans on why LinkedIn is her go-to dating app. “Number one, I can filter for an education — MBA baby. Number two, I can filter by industry, I’m looking at doctor, lawyer, finance bro. Number three I can filter by country, very important,” she says. LinkedIn, the career-centric platform, is now blurring the lines between professional networking and romantic matchmaking as Gallagher’s TikTok shows.

@candi.licious Replying to @adaleowsg I'm looking for A-grade men and @linkedin has A-grade filters! its all part of my effort to try #10appsin10weeks and make #datinginsingapore a little more fun! #candilicious ♬ original sound - Candilicious

“A friend had privately shared the LinkedIn profile of one of their connections and had asked if I would like to be set up on a blind date with him. This is what sparked the idea about using LinkedIn in the context of dating,” she explains about where she got the idea. “Many people, like myself, have experienced the highs and the lows of modern dating apps and there’s clearly an appetite for alternative methods,” Gallagher continues.

LinkedIn: Not Just for Résumés

For years, LinkedIn has been synonymous with résumés, job searches, and industry networking. It’s where professionals play the game of corporate snakes and ladders. But now, Gen Z has cracked the code, turning LinkedIn into a dating haven. Forget the traditional dating apps; swipe right for career aspirations and left for incompatible industries. It's the LinkedIn renaissance — where business cards might just be replaced with love notes.

Dating Sunday: Swiping Right on LinkedIn

Sunday is the day of rejuvenation — but not just for career moves. Gen Z is swiping through LinkedIn profiles, seeking more than professional connections.

As the first Sunday of the new year approaches, “Dating Sunday” often takes center stage, breaking dating app records. Users flock to Tinder, OkCupid, and Coffee Meets Bagel, with swipes and messages surging. According to reporting from Fast Company, Tinder experiences a 22% spike in messages and an 18.2% increase in likes, Coffee Meets Bagel witnesses a 47% surge in sign-ups compared to the previous 30 days and OkCupid sees a whopping 70% rise in user activity.

Why the Surge?

Holidays are family-focused, but a lonely New Year’s countdown prompts the realization of singlehood. A collective resolution to be more social or find a partner fuels Dating Sunday. This trend lasts for six weeks, culminating on Valentine’s Day — the day when swiping season takes a breather, according to the article.

So, if you’re looking for love, dust down your LinkedIn profile, and why not get comfy on the couch this weekend?

And, while you're here, why not check us out on LinkedIn. Don't worry, we're already taken.