Match Group, the parent company of popular dating apps Tinder, Hinge, and The League, is facing a class-action lawsuit in the United States. The lawsuit alleges that Match uses manipulative features to create addiction among its users. This raises the question of whether dating apps can truly be addictive and if we are falling into a trap. To understand this, it is important to explore how dating apps influence our brains.
Dating apps, like many other apps, are designed to keep users engaged. The developers aim to sell and promote the app, just like any other product on the market. While these apps are meant to facilitate connections, some individuals may develop an unhealthy relationship with them, constantly swiping left and right.
The addictive nature of dating apps stems from their ability to activate the brain’s dopamine reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in experiencing pleasure and reward. It is released not only when we experience something pleasurable but also when we anticipate and seek out pleasurable experiences.
Certain features of dating apps contribute to their addictive nature. The excitement of getting a match on a dating app triggers dopamine release. Additionally, the element of unpredictability adds to this excitement. Each time users open the app, they do not know what profiles they will see or who they might match with. This surprise and anticipation play a significant role in hooking users.
Intermittent reinforcement also contributes to the addictive nature of dating apps. Matches are provided at irregular intervals, creating uncertainty about when or with whom users will match. This unpredictability keeps users engaged and motivated to continue using the app.
Other features like “hearts” and “roses” make dating apps socially rewarding by providing forms of approval. These social stimuli activate dopamine and contribute to the addictive nature of these apps.
While not everyone develops an unhealthy relationship with dating apps, some individuals are more biologically vulnerable to addiction. Personality traits such as neuroticism, sociability, and sensation-seeking are associated with spending more time on dating apps. Low self-esteem is also linked to problematic use of these apps.
Although there is no official diagnosis for “dating app addiction,” some people do develop unhealthy habits and experience negative consequences as a result. Six addiction components can help identify signs of an unhealthy relationship with dating apps, including dominance of thoughts, mood changes, increased usage over time, distress when interrupted, negative impact on reality, and relapse into previous patterns.
If you find yourself excessively using dating apps, there are steps you can take to reduce reliance. Taking a break from the apps can help reset your dependence on them. It is important to identify the emotions driving your app usage and find alternative ways to address them. Creating a list of the consequences of excessive app usage can serve as a reminder to reduce usage. Seeking professional help from a psychologist may be necessary for those struggling to take a break.
Lastly, it is important to remember that dating apps are not the only way to meet people. In-person events and opportunities for face-to-face encounters still exist. Stepping away from the screen and embracing real-life interactions can provide excitement, unpredictability, and dopamine hits.
