In 2024, the presence of dating apps is nothing new; millions of people both
young and old have utilized sites like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and more to meet potential
matches. Dating apps have revolutionized the dating world; for the first time in history,
one can get a date without lifting a finger (besides the thumbs required for swiping left
or right).
In theory, online dating is a brilliant concept. Not only is it convenient, but it feels
safe. Tinder, for example, only notifies one that someone is interested in them once both
parties have matched. Of course, meeting up with someone from the internet does not
exactly scream “cautious,” but from an emotional standpoint, swiping right on someone
and hoping they do the same is far less intimidating than approaching a person in real
time and facing the possibility of face-to-face rejection.
Further, the idea that an app is a bottomless pit of eligible suitors creates the
notion that no single person is necessarily a priority. While this sounds shallow, it’s
inevitable; why would one person take precedence when there are thousands and even
millions of profiles? Dating apps almost seem like a game—how many people can you
match with until you find the perfect person (within a 20 mile radius, anyway)?
I have allowed these factors—convenience, seemingly endless options, and the
lack of risk in what is otherwise a very intimidating landscape—to convince me to
participate in dating apps. My issue with online dating is not my experiences, but how
inorganic and impersonal it feels. Dating is about trying to form connections, and most
connections made through technology feel artificial. I don’t want to feel like I’m online
shopping or flipping through job resumes when I aim to get to know another person.
It’s easy to be swept away by the advantages of online dating; I have just listed
several negative qualities, yet I’m still on the fence. Perhaps the abundance of users
has given me the idea that it’s the only way to meet new people. The joy of quality
encounters and face-to-face interactions often take a backseat to endless swiping and
superficial profiles. So, while dating apps offer another avenue for connection, I have to
ask myself: what am I sacrificing in the process?
