A Dating App Is Giving Away Free Gas to Convince People to Get Out of the House

["The dating app BLK is taking a bold step to get people out of the house and back into the dating scene: it's giving away free gas. The app, which caters to Black singles, is providing $500 gas gift cards to 10 people who download the app and tag three friends in a campaign post on social media. The promotion is a response to the economic reality that's keeping people from going out: a lack of disposable income.", 'According to AAA, gas prices have hit a four-year high, with the average cost of gas now $4.56, up $1.30 from the same time in 2025.

The recent surge in energy prices, sparked by the US- and Israel-led war in Iran, is also expected to drive up grocery bills, making it even harder for people to afford dates. A recent study found that the average cost of a date has increased by 12.5 percent in 2026, and 86 percent of US singles have hit pause on their dating life.', 'The affordability crisis is particularly acute for low-income singles. A survey conducted by BLK found that 77.6 percent of respondents feel financial anxiety around dating, and only 12 percent say they currently date as much as they want.

For Gen Z, who have been dubbed the "sexless generation," this has led to a rise in "soft socializing," where people opt for low-key meetups that cost little to nothing.', 'BLK\'s head of brand, Amber Cooper, says the app is trying to make dating more accessible. "Dating should not have to compete with the price of a full tank," she said in a statement. The app is not alone in its efforts to appeal to users by offering basic necessities.

Other brands, including a marketing campaign for a new film, have also launched promotions that provide free gas and groceries to customers.', 'Marketing consultant Darren Martin Jr. says that the trend of giving away free goods is a sign of the times. "It\'s certainly a tale of the times which one can argue are dystopian," he says.

"Increasingly, marketing strategies have to understand the material realities shaping society in order to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Certainly, there are other ways but gas makes sense at this moment."']