Dating apps were designed to bring people together — a way to modernize romance for the younger, tech-savvy generations. Users mindlessly swipe through other users’ photographs like an Instagram feed, raising the question of whether or not this concept is helping or hurting the contemporary dating experience. Perhaps more importantly — do people really care?
Tinder is the most widely used dating app in 190 countries across the globe, with approximately 55 billion matches to date. Other platforms such as Hinge, Bumble, and Christian Mingle, similarly accommodate a vast array of relationship preferences. As the concept of online dating continues to grow, new applications — perhaps something along the lines of “Bop or Block” — are likely to hit the app store next, furthering the evolution of modern romance. Meanwhile, websites such as Ashley Madison cater to revealing individuals cheating on their spouses, introducing concerns for this growing industry. Despite their embrace of frivolity, dating apps have had successful results, and overall seem to be a notion that is here to stay. Perhaps in the long run, the success of these platforms and their cultural impact will persist, as long as users understand their limitations.
To shed light on the online dating scene within Los Angeles, students from Loyola Marymount University shared their experiences as users of the various platforms. Of the five students interviewed, none showcased pride in having used any of the apps and they all lacked successful experiences with forming relationships from online platforms. One example, Gigi Truong, a junior psychology major, explained that she dabbled in online dating throughout her freshman year, although she preferred to be with someone she met face-to-face on LMU’s campus.
“I guess I started using them because it’s something that people do. I never actually met anyone on any of the dating apps,” Truong said. “I had a Tinder date lined up for Friday, and a date with my [current] boyfriend on Monday, and then canceled the Tinder date on Friday.” They have been together ever since.
Owen Raup, a second-year film student, also shared that he would rather form a relationship with an individual that he met in person. “It sounds kinda corny but, if my children asked me how I met their mother, I would not want to admit to a dating app,” Raup said. “It’s just not natural. That’s not how you meet friends — you don’t go on an app and look for the perfect person.”
First-year finance student Justin Tautges was indifferent towards the subject of online dating. His parents tell him he should participate in creating a profile, as his cousin found success as a dating app user. “She’s getting married to someone she met off Tinder, but I’ve just never really found the time to do it,” Tautges said.
These apps are popular for a reason – they provide easy access to a large demographic of single people looking for romance. Dr. Jessica DuBron, a local clinical psychologist, provided professional insight into whether or not she believed these platforms are beneficial in the search for partners. “Los Angeles is notoriously difficult for dating, and I find that certain demographics struggle more on dating apps,” she said. “I think giving yourself more opportunities to meet people is better than fewer opportunities, but if you’re struggling with dating because of how it is affecting your self-esteem… then maybe it is time to take a break or pare down how many dating apps you’re on and increase those real-life connections.”
According to the psychologist, it seems that the hardest part for many people is the initial breaking of the ice. DuBron discussed the many drawbacks that she sees with dating apps, and she believes that they have the potential to prevent individuals from “feeling compelled to go out and meet somebody in a real-life situation.” On the other hand, however, she also explained that they “open up a new world” for introverted patients who struggle to find a partner “organically.”
Perhaps the greatest strength of dating apps, is also their greatest weakness. Their ability to remove a step in the process of meeting a significant other makes interactions more efficient, while simultaneously more fleeting than traditional, in-person encounters.
