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Dating App Fatigue may sound like a made-up term, but it’s a real feeling that many people are all too familiar with. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have made it incredibly easy for us to connect with people nearby, so much so that leaving your house and meeting people in the real world is no longer necessary. The problem with this, however, is that the chances of meeting up with someone in real life are slim.
When early dating apps first hit the scene, reactions were mixed. Many people felt that that kind of accessibility was unnecessary, while others appreciated the convenience of being able to connect with people in their area without having to initially meet in person. By the time dating apps starting appearing, dating websites like Match.com and eHarmony had already been around for quite some time. These sites, which became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, were initially marketed towards more established adults who are ready to find love. It wasn’t until the arrival OKCupid that a younger demographic felt relevant in the online dating circuit. OKCupid operates as a social networking platform, where users answer questions in order to be matched with people with similar interests. OKCupid was one of the first dating websites targeted at a younger set, as the site is interactive and similar to other social media platforms like Facebook. Following the arrival of OKCupid, similar dating sites began popping up, and more and more young people started making accounts. These types of dating apps became so popular, in fact, that jobs mobile app development became some of the most sought-after, and with a mobile app developer salary being one of the most competitive.
Today, dating apps are more prevalent than ever, with approximately 40% of Americans using various apps. One of the biggest reasons dating apps have become so popular is that it presents a safe, easy way to connect with new people without the pressure of having to approach them in real life. Talking to someone through an app allows users to get to know the person they’re talking to before deciding if they would like to meet them in person. To many people, this feels exciting at first, but that feeling can quickly wear off after a while. After a few months, many people say they begin to feel discouraged, especially people who have gone on several first dates that don’t go anywhere. When signing up for dating apps, many people have this idea that they will meet the love of their life right off that bat, when that is typically not the case. Other people’s success stories about finding “The One” through apps like Bumble and Hinge seem to fuel many people’s desire to continue using the apps, even if they haven’t had successes of their own. Going on dating apps becomes a daily routine for many people, much like brushing their teeth or checking the weather.
One of the reasons why so many people experience dating app fatigue is because they take it too seriously. Using dating apps should be thought of as a fun and lighthearted way to meet new people, not receive a marriage proposal. For those who find themselves experiencing dating app fatigue, try logging off for a few days and head out to a local park or cafe. While you may not meet somebody right away, it’ll feel good to get out of the house and be around other people. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch the eye of a mysterious stranger! Either way, taking a break from dating apps in exchange for real-life social interaction is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.