So, why is this the case? The ultimate goal of online dating apps should be to function as a conduit in creating committed relationships, right? Wrong. The realm of online dating has become a multi-billion dollar industry — an industry that profits primarily off of user addiction, especially by keeping its users single. The way that the industry accomplishes this is twofold, relying on qualities of gamification and what psychologist Barry Schwartz refers to as the “paradox of choice.”
The presence of the choice paradox in online dating is perhaps best understood through the analogy of online shopping. Studies have shown that as shoppers are exposed to more options for potential purchases, they are paradoxically less likely to be satisfied with their ultimate decision. As our brains become inundated with a variety of choices, we often experience choice paralysis: An anxiety-induced state that prevents us from making a resounding decision.
On Tinder, the user’s experience of choice overload has become a frequent occurrence. In the emergence of what some are calling “serial swipers,” many users can be seen displaying strong hesitations to commit to a singular option due to fears of missing out on a potentially better one.
The infiltration of the choice paradox into the realm of relationships is especially dangerous. Unlike the case of online shopping, users aren’t choosing between products, they’re choosing between people. The resulting world of online dating has become a breeding ground for objectification, sexual harassment and insecurity, as choices are increasingly influenced by abundance and appearances rather than genuine compatibility.
The instant gratification offered by each ‘match’ causes the idea of exclusivity to appear unsettling, with many individuals remaining addicted to these apps even in committed relationships. Specifically, 30% of Tinder users are married, and another 12% are in relationships. Because of this, the online dating world has become a hotbed for cheating and noncommittal sex. Users find themselves immersed in an endless, twisted game, where matches and hookups function as points to keep score.
what other way are we supposed to meet ppl? if you live in amerika you know its a super depressing place where our ability to socialize has been dying for decades. what third spaces do we have? bars? and develop alcoholism that you deny bc its just "social drinking." the park? and end up talking to no one bc of debilitating social anxiety. not dissing going outside, i love these places, i just suck at meeting new ppl. at least on these apps i dont have to engage in conversations i dont want to or worry that im tying ppl up in conversations they dont wanna be in. a year ago i used dating apps for a while and it was super stressful and depressing but after a few months i found someone i really like and click with and we've been together for a year! there is hope out there in the imperial core, its just buried under several layers of addictive self-exploitation
That's part of the problem is that online dating is the best option for many people and they only have these shitty apps.
:yea: