Source: Graham Hamer
Dating apps are one of the most popular trends in our generation today. Apps such as, Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish share the purpose of meeting new people, finding a date, or finding that special someone to spend the rest of your life with. However, this generation has taken dating apps to a whole level. When it comes to meeting new people you don't know what to expect. However, there's been a recent case study that shows users on dating apps are already in relationships, or married while they use the app.
Study shows that 1,400 Tinder users weren't interested in actually finding dates. 2/3 of users reported that they were already in relationships. Participants between the ages 18-74 are recruited through online advertisements, having a variety of questions about their motivations for using Tinder. Studies show when people log into dating apps, the majority describe themselves as celibate, widowed, or in a relationship. However, when it comes to looking for a relationship, studies show that 40% of users are looking for a long term relationship, compared to 13% of users looking for short term connections.
However, the majority of participants are between the ages of 18-25. When it comes to using dating apps, there's a psychological definition behind the use of apps; It's to satisfy low self-esteem and loneliness. If anything, anyone who's in a relationship using dating apps is to achieve satisfaction in their lives.
Source: Graham Hamer
In this generation, dating apps are known to be used for going on dates and hooking up with other people. That's what social media is for. However, dating platforms are used to gain matches and likes, as a sign of high self-esteem. This is the sign of gaining satisfaction. Users even bounce from dating app to dating app to gain more matches.
According to Germano Vera Cruz, who is a author, data scientist, and professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne in France, he states, “Some people feel deceived with the use of dating apps, because each time you have a new platform, people think they might really find someone,” Vera Cruz said. “And then people go from platform to platform, but each time they are there, they are not satisfied.”
As this generation continues to use dating apps to make connections, the fact that people are already in relationships while using apps is evidence that everyone is looking for someone. From romantic relationships, to friendships, we all have the feeling of wanting more connections in our circle, because no matter what people go through, people are never meant to walk through this earth alone.