How Mattr is changing the game for Gen Z on dating apps
Lucy Sarret speaks to Mattr founder Jamie Johnstone on his groundbreaking app that seeks to disrupt the online dating game.
Credit: Pexels / Anna Shvets
In the world of modern dating, where mental health struggles, overwhelming choices, and superficial profiles are the norm, one dating app is breaking all the rules.
Created by Jamie Johnstone, Mattr is not just another random swiping website – it’s a movement to reimagine how we connect with others, build relationships, and support our mental wellbeing in the process.
In an exclusive interview with Sextras, Johnstone shares the inspiration behind Mattr, its mission, and how it’s meeting the unique needs of Gen Z, neurodiverse individuals, and those navigating the complicated terrain of mental health.
A new approach to dating: more than just swiping
Dating apps have long been criticised for turning romance into a game of numbers – swiping left, right, or endlessly flipping through profiles.
And while some such as Hinge market themselves as “designed to be deleted”, a lawsuit claimed that the concept of these apps was actually turning users into ‘addicts’ who, instead of finding true love, fall into a vicious consumer cycle, purchasing subscriptions and other paid perks, ensuring a steady flow into the company’s revenue.
The suit, which was brought to the courts in multiple American states last year, claimed that Tinder, Hinge, and The League “transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose".
But Johnstone believes it’s time for a shift.
"We’ve essentially consolidated dating [process] into one platform," he says. Mattr does away with the endless swiping and introduces a more mindful approach, focusing on real-life experiences and community-building instead of algorithm-driven matches.
"We’re trying to create something that’s more than just an app. We call it a dating movement," Johnstone explains. "We want to change the narrative of how dating works and offer something that’s actually supportive."
The app doesn’t just aim for matches – it’s about creating real connections in a more holistic way.
Read more: Sextras’ dating ins and outs for 2025
Understanding the struggles of Gen Z and neurodiverse individuals
Johnstone’s vision for Mattr stems from the growing dissatisfaction with current dating apps, particularly among Gen Z and neurodiverse users. Data from Mattr’s survey reveals that 31% of Gen Zs rate their mental health as "consistently bad", and 94% of neurodiverse users feel dating apps don't understand them.
Having that support is increasingly important for younger generations, as while on average, 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent, a whopping 53% of Gen Z identify as such.
"Dating apps are making people feel frustrated and overwhelmed," Johnstone shares – 45% of dating app users, according to Mattr’s survey. “It’s a system designed for addiction, and we wanted to create something that goes against that."
“We just want to create events that people will enjoy. If you meet someone there, that’s great –but it’s not the primary goal. It’s about creating a space for like-minded individuals to come together”
He explains that the paradox of choice – a well-known psychological theory – can make dating apps feel like a never-ending cycle of frustration.
"If you go to a restaurant and the menu is five pages long, you automatically think the food’s bad. More options actually make it harder to decide," he adds. "It’s the same with dating apps. If you live in a city like London, you can swipe through hundreds of thousands of people, and it just becomes a game."
For people struggling with mental health, neurodiversity, or ADHD, this constant back-and-forth of dopamine highs and lows is exhausting. Mattr seeks to alleviate this by showing users only a few potential matches at a time, giving them a more manageable experience.
"We’ll show you six people, and if you don’t like any of them, come back tomorrow. It’s about giving people a better way to approach dating without feeling pressured," Johnstone explains.
More than a match: supporting mental health and wellbeing through community
One of the standout features of Mattr is its holistic approach to dating. The app provides more than just matches – it includes mental health resources, events, and offline experiences that focus on supporting overall wellbeing. From drag bingo to talks on ADHD and psychology, Johnstone and his team have built an environment that nurtures growth, connection, and self-care.
“We want to create a place where people can focus on more than just dating,” Johnstone says. “We have barbershops, stylists, and great access to events that make dating and socialising fun and low-pressure.”
In fact, offline events are central to Mattr’s mission. Rather than positioning them as "singles mixers", the team focuses on building a community through things like sound bath meditation mixers, hikes, and wellness activities that don’t come with the expectation of romantic connections.
“We just want to create events that people will enjoy. If you meet someone there, that’s great –but it’s not the primary goal. It’s about creating a space for like-minded individuals to come together,” Johnstone explains.
Credit: Mattr
The Mattr difference: support, transparency, and feedback
A critical aspect of Mattr’s design is its transparent approach to how the app works. While many dating apps keep their algorithms secret, Mattr aims to be transparent with its users. If a profile isn’t getting enough attention, the app will offer feedback – suggesting things like adding more photos or filling out profile sections to increase engagement.
This type of honest feedback is part of Mattr’s commitment to helping users navigate the dating world more effectively, Johnstone emphasises.
“We’re upfront about it,” he explains. “If your profile isn’t getting matches, we tell you why and give you concrete tips on how to improve.”
Even for users who decide to pause their dating journey, Mattr’s Perks Pass ensures they can continue benefiting from the app’s discounts on services and events, offering them support beyond just the dating aspect.
“We’re trying to create something that lasts, even after you’ve stopped dating,” Johnstone says.
Read more: How to end a good first date: the art of the perfect goodbye
The future of Mattr
As Mattr continues to grow, the focus is now on expanding beyond London. While the app is currently available only in the capital, Johnstone assures users from other cities that they are working on bringing the platform to other locations soon.
“We’re expanding into other UK cities, but for now, if you’re outside London, just sign up for the waiting list. You’ll still get updates and invitations to public events,” he notes.
“We’re planning events in other cities as well, so there’s still a chance to get involved.”
As Johnstone says: “We’re here to change the whole narrative. It’s not just about finding matches; it’s about helping people lead better lives through meaningful connections.”