Dating apps promise users to deliver a supply of compatible singles in your area.
The truth is that dating apps allow limbo to happen and be extended. Because it is so accessible and so easily downloaded, people in your area can be thought of as being easily accessible.
Dating apps provide a modern and convenient twist on meeting someone. It’s now possible to seek out people who supposedly are ready for something.
How does the structure of dating apps influence users’ experiences?
The structure of dating apps rely on a simple swipe left or right motion. If two profiles share some level of compatibility, then they “match”. Simple enough right?
The simplicity of this, however, contributes to their addicting nature.
These apps are an industry on their own, and it’s not fair to pin them as a champion of romance or love. They do depend, after all, on people to continuously download them.
So even if people aren’t single or emotionally ready to engage with someone in a meaningful and committed way, they can still hop on the apps. Thus starts the cycle of seeing who’s available, matching, starting a conversation, and dipping or ghosting when convenient.
People don’t always follow “swipe etiquette”; that is, they don’t always take extra consideration or caution when swiping.
What is the problematic truth behind these apps?
Remember, these apps are contingent on downloads and user logins. This inevitably means they are not designed for true success or for people to find a genuine connection.
Instead, they’re designed to be downloaded, used, and redownloaded time after time.
These apps prioritize ad revenue and profits collected from these downloads. Thus, the main goal of the algorithms is… to make you pay.
The internet provides safety and anonymity. Remember that even if you spend weeks chatting with someone, you’re still truly chatting with just a stranger.
What are some issues related to dating apps?
The convenience and accessibility of these apps facilitate infidelity.
It can also encourage or facilitate emotionally abusive or immature behavior. For example, let’s say you’ve been chatting with a match for days or even weeks, and everything is going fine. And out of nowhere: they completely ignore you.
Welcome to ghosting!
Ghosting, or suddenly ignoring someone you’ve regularly been communicating with for no apparent reason, has become the norm.
In addition, linking social media to these apps allows users to ghost and ignore messages but still access and lurk through their social media.
Using dating apps can be fun and full of new encounters. It’s important, nevertheless, to keep in mind these harsh realities of online dating.
