Whether you've crashed and burned or ultimately found love, some in Buffalo say its hard to do so without the help of online dating apps. 

A pew research study shows that people are not only turning to online dating, but using the services of professional matchmakers. 

"People have found a challenge with dating here in Western New York," said Alysia Welch-Chester of Soul Connective. "Some people think that they're just not finding the people that have the same drive they have. I know that there are plenty of people. They're just not crossing paths."

The study shows a sharp decline in people meeting potential partners through other friends and family around a decade ago.  Experts say that singles are now looking for prospects through  other means. Welch-Chester recommends approaching dating like you would your career. 

"You're not going to just hope that the perfect career is going to cross your path, you've done a lot of networking, resume building , but we don't do that when it comes to dating," said Welch-Chester. 

Although the trends in dating have changed, some in Buffalo say they believe fate will ultimately take it's course. 

"I feel like there are plenty of people around," said Erica Marsh. "Maybe not many people that are great for you, but we were pretty lucky!"