According to Forbes Health, an August 2023 survey stated that 70% of people who met on a dating app led to a romantic relationship. A study from the Pew Research Center revealed 46% of online dating users said their personal experiences with the app have been negative.
Dating apps promise love at first swipe, but often all it delivers are broken promises and frustration. Are they really the answer to finding love? These apps are designed to help find a person’s one true match through countless swiping and conversations. However, during these conversations, one might not get that spark or connection they are wanting.
The first step when messaging a potential match is getting to know them. Because that process is done online, no physical or emotional chemistry occurs like when meeting someone organically. When searching for that special someone, one wants to make sure that the chemistry is there and that they are capable of keeping a conversation going. When chatting online with someone, it is hard to tell how passionate they get when talking about their favorite things, or the type of mannerisms they might have when explaining something exciting.
At their core, dating apps are about quick impressions. While physical attraction can spark initial interest, it’s not enough to build a lasting connection. Real compatibility depends on shared values, communication and emotional chemistry, which are things that can’t be gauged online. Meeting on dating apps often leads to shallow connections that fizzle out quickly.
The abundance of profiles on dating apps also creates indecisiveness. With so many potential matches, users often struggle to commit to one person, always searching for someone “better.” This constant back and forth prevents meaningful connections from developing, and it can lead to burnout.
Even when users do connect, the communication feels very casual. Ghosting, where someone suddenly stops responding without explanation, is common. This lack of genuine communication makes it hard to build trust and emotional investment, which are important elements of a real relationship.
While apps may make it easier to meet new people, they rarely contain the deeper connections that lead to lasting relationships. Instead of relying on apps, perhaps it’s time to focus on connecting with people in real life, where love takes time and effort to grow.
Lexie Hall
