I used to be addicted to dating apps. There, I said it. I would spend hours every day swiping left and right, hoping to find my perfect match. I would get excited when I matched with someone who seemed attractive, smart and funny, only to be disappointed when they ghosted me after a few messages. Or worse, when they turned out to be nothing like their profile.
What is Swiping Burnout and Why Does It Happen?
This is what experts call swiping burnout, a common phenomenon where users feel overwhelmed and exhausted from continuously swiping and browsing profiles. With the growing popularity of dating apps, it’s becoming increasingly common for users to experience swiping fatigue, leading to decreased enjoyment and decreased likelihood of finding a match.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share with you some of the signs and causes of swiping burnout, as well as some tips on how to overcome it and find love in the digital age.
One of the main reasons why swiping burnout occurs is the nature of dating apps and the way they are designed to keep you engaged. The swiping mechanism encourages quick judgments based on superficial traits and creates an endless cycle of browsing profiles. As a result, you may find yourself spending hours swiping, leading to decreased motivation, decreased self-esteem, and increased feelings of boredom.
The Sense of Endlessness
However, the sense of endlessness that comes with dating apps is also one of the main causes of swiping burnout. With an endless supply of profiles to swipe through, it can feel like a never-ending task that drains your energy and enthusiasm. For instance, according to a 2020 survey by Pew Research Center, 45% of online daters said they felt more frustrated than hopeful after using a dating app. I can relate to that feeling. I used to spend hours every day swiping on dating apps, hoping to find someone who would spark my interest. But most of the time, I would only match with a handful of people who either ghosted me after a few messages or turned out to be completely different from their profiles. I started to feel like I was wasting my time and getting nowhere. This frustration and disappointment can make you lose motivation and interest in swiping, which can lower your chances of finding a match.
The Repetition and Monotony
In addition to the sense of endlessness, another factor that contributes to swiping burnout is the repetitive and monotonous nature of dating apps. Many users find themselves swiping through the same profiles over and over, leading to a sense of boredom and apathy. For example, a study by researchers at Stanford University found that online daters tend to have a narrow preference for potential partners, which results in them seeing the same types of profiles repeatedly. This monotony can make swiping feel like a chore rather than a fun activity, which can reduce your motivation and enjoyment. As a result, you may become less selective and more likely to swipe right on anyone, or you may become more picky and more likely to swipe left on everyone. Either way, this can decrease your chances of finding a match that suits you.
How to Overcome Swiping Burnout
But don’t despair, there are ways to overcome swiping burnout and find love in the digital age. Here are some tips from experts and online daters who have successfully navigated the dating app scene:
- Rediscover (or redefine) why you’re on dating apps to begin with. Setting intentions is always important. Are you looking for something casual or serious? Are you looking for someone with similar interests or values? Are you looking for someone who lives nearby or far away? Knowing what you want can help you narrow down your options and focus on the profiles that match your criteria.
- Put some limits on your usage. This is all about putting a limit on the amount of time you’ll spend on the dating app you choose. You can set a timer, turn off notifications, or delete the app altogether for a while. This can help you avoid getting overwhelmed by the constant stream of profiles and messages, and give you some space to breathe and reflect.
- When all else fails, delete them altogether. Even though this is a “last resort,” don’t think of it as a failure. Sometimes, taking a break from dating apps can be the best thing you can do for yourself. You can use this time to focus on other aspects of your life, such as your hobbies, your friends, your family, or your career. You can also use this time to meet people in other ways, such as through mutual friends, social events, or hobbies. You never know when or where you might find someone who catches your eye.
Conclusion
So there you have it, babes. Swiping burnout is a real thing that can make you feel like you’re stuck in a dating rut. It can zap your energy, your confidence, and your joy from looking for love online. But don’t let it get you down. You can beat swiping burnout and find your dream date in the digital age.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Millions of people are looking for love online, just like you. And they’re all facing the same challenges and frustrations as you are. So don’t give up, and keep swiping! You never know when you might find your perfect match.
