The State of Dating Apps: A Critical Examination
If we’re going to criticize one app, we’re going to need to take a critical lens to them all. I invite you to take a step back and look at the online dating scene collectively with me.
CW: if you’ve ever experienced any form of abuse or bullying (specifically via dating apps)
There is no perfect dating app.
We shrink ourselves into spaces that feel inauthentic because that’s “just how modern dating is.”
We unknowingly sacrifice our ethics and safety for apps of convenience and popularity.
We use popularized apps because of a larger user base and the potential for connection. Driven by our basic, universal, human need for acceptance.
But many apps’ missions and target audiences don’t always align with our dating expectations or goals.
Since the brand foundations and target audiences are not truly inclusive, their user protections aren’t either.
Some apps go as far as exploiting their users. For example, herpes and STI exclusive dating apps.
Dating apps don’t succeed by “doing the right thing.” They sustain themselves by making a profit off your connection(s).
When selecting a dating app, we are presented with an internal dilemma of conflicts and ethics:
What experiences and values do you prioritize in dating? And what are you willing to look beyond for the sake of connection via an app?
There are no easy or “right” answers, but when selecting a dating app, there is likely not going to be “the one” that perfectly aligns with our values and ideals. Which means we have to choose and prioritize what matters most to each of us. Many will come close, but we may have to sacrifice a smaller sample size for a more sex positive user base (using as hypothetical example).
In my next series of posts, beginning tomorrow, I will delve into specific, popular dating apps, including @thepureapp, and review them based on the same set of criteria.
Like and save this post if you found it insightful or thought-provoking, or you’re simply excited for The State of Dating Apps Series.