Single Social Club, a new activity-first social platform launching from Tampa Bay, is challenging the conventional dating-app model by removing swiping entirely and focusing on shared activities. Created by professional matchmaker Felicity G. Morgan, founder of Assured Matchmaking, and co-founded with technology lead Greg Miceli, the platform aims to address the growing fatigue and emotional exhaustion many singles experience with traditional dating apps. "I kept hearing the same thing," Morgan 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 became the foundation of Single Social Club, which offers over 157 activity options, from kayaking and pickleball to dining and trivia, enabling members to connect through shared interests rather than superficial judgments.
The implications of this launch are significant. Dating-app burnout has become a widespread issue, with research increasingly examining emotional exhaustion among users. By shifting the focus from romantic dating to social activities, Single Social Club may provide a healthier alternative for singles to build connections organically. The platform's design eliminates the pressure of constant evaluation by using code names and temporary group environments, allowing members to interact without immediately sharing personal information. "We wanted people to have some breathing room," Morgan said. "You don't need to know someone's entire dating résumé before you've even bowled a frame with them." This approach could reduce the anxiety associated with first impressions and foster more authentic interactions.
Moreover, Single Social Club's timing is deliberate, as popular dating formats like Pop the Balloon and Love Is Blind highlight extremes in modern dating. Morgan believes these shows underscore a critical question: are singles eliminating potential partners before truly knowing them? "We've gotten incredibly efficient at disqualifying each other," she said. By flipping the sequence to activity first, person second, and romance only if it develops, the platform may encourage users to prioritize shared experiences over instant judgments. This could lead to more meaningful connections, whether romantic or platonic, and help alleviate the burnout associated with endless swiping.
For Miceli, the technology is designed to get people off their screens. "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." Single Social Club is a web app accessible via browser, with mobile users able to save it to their home screen for app-like access. Starting in Tampa Bay, the founders plan to expand as participation grows. The platform launches with introductory access for $1 for the first 30 days, after which membership renews at $20 per month for up to five activity opportunities. For Morgan, the invitation is simple: "Don't join because I promised you're going to meet the love of your life. I can't promise that, and neither can anybody else. Join because there's something you've been wanting to do. Go do it. Let life surprise you from there." This approach could redefine social connections for singles, emphasizing living life fully rather than solely seeking romance.
