Research confirms the negative impact of dating apps on people
Applications for dating sites have long conquered the world. But recently, researchers have wondered whether they might be harmful to our psyche. Indeed, during the dating process, men and women often have to face rejection. Communication within the app itself is superficial and short-lived.
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The story of a girl from England: vague motives of users and spiritual emptiness
Kirsty Finlayson, a 28-year-old Londoner, decided to do what most people do after breaking up with her boyfriend. However, constant conversations about “nothing” led to her feeling empty.
Since I downloaded the application, I have become much sadder,” the girl says. It seems to me that disposability, which previously concerned only things, is now inherent in relationships. Previously, you could use disposable shampoo or plastic cups. Communication becomes the same. You start a conversation, communicate for a short time, and then break up with that person forever. And again and again.” Kirsty goes on to point out that in these situations, it can be especially difficult to differentiate between those who are looking to hang out and those who are actually looking for a serious relationship.
“It’s impossible to understand which users just want to chat and which ones want a serious relationship. We currently spend about 30 minutes a day communicating on our apps. But I feel more and more that this time needs to be spent on something more enjoyable and beneficial for my mental health.
Expectation and reality
Thousands of dating app users around the world report negative psychological effects. Take for example a 31-year-old American gay man named Daniel. Daniel has been using dating apps since he split from his partner four years ago. “In my opinion, the biggest problem with searching online is the constant awareness that there is a lot of competition. You judge only by what you see in photographs. But this is far from the truth. You go on a date and find out that in the end you were mistaken for someone completely different. In fact, how have you yourself perceived your interlocutor online differently than in reality?
Research: Apps Damage Self-Esteem
This bitter experience reflects the results of a study conducted by scientists from the University of North Texas. It turned out that men who regularly use the Tinder app are less satisfied with their face and body shape. Their overall self-esteem is also low.
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It seems: 20th century in the garden, that”s it. Sexy losers of all stripes, don”t give a blow job that makes you look so married. But women”s health, sometimes like that.
Trent Petrie, a professor of psychology and one of the study”s authors, explains that it”s no surprise that people are very sensitive and sensitive to differences in appearance from fictitious “ideals.” Dating app users report higher levels of stress in their lives. They are more likely to suffer from depression and spend more energy trying to look more attractive.
Source of anxiety and depression
Another study, conducted on a sample of 200, 000 iPhone users, found that dating app Grindr was the real leader in making users feel unhappy. 77% of respondents who met him admitted that they suffered from signs of depression.
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Ms Coughlan had been searching for her soulmate on apps such as Tinder and Bumble for almost four years. But after developing depression caused by an unsuccessful search, she decided to remove them. “When no one writes to you, you begin to doubt — oh God, what’s wrong with me? In addition, sometimes users appear on the application who are happy to write certain vulgarities. As a result, you are in constant tension. Of course, this not only spoils the entire search process, but also does not allow you to enjoy life in general.”
Psychologist and dating coach Joe Hemmings says: “The Internet is a very powerful tool for helping people find their way in the world. The reality is that communication over the Internet is always impersonal, and this creates problems. It”s one thing when there is a person in front of you and you have the opportunity to interact with him. It”s one thing when you communicate with a completely different — and unknown — Internet user. This is why trolling is so common not only on dating sites and apps, but on the Internet in general.”
“It”s also often the random searches themselves that cause discomfort. It”s not advisable to enter an application when you have a few minutes to spare. Do it at home when you have plenty of time and are more relaxed. There”s no need to put the date on autopilot and turn the application into a continuous stream of images.
Hemmings also recommends using apps that provide more detailed information about the user. “Register where you need to fill out a data form and upload another photo. The more information you need to create a profile, the more human and realistic your search for a partner will be.”
Louise Troen, vice president of marketing at popular app Bumble, added: “Bumble is a great way for people to find a partner. And thanks to Bumble, 15, 000 people got married. We do not receive direct complaints from users about the negative impact of the application on their psycho-emotional state. But we cannot help but understand that this is now a common problem. We are currently developing a special campaign to improve the mental health of our users.”
