Many people have had bad experiences with online dating apps, feeling rejected or ignored. Recently, six users decided to take their heartbreak to court, suing Tinder, Hinge, and Match.
They claim these apps use addictive features, like games, to make people use them compulsively.
The users argue that Match’s apps use features that manipulate dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure, to keep users hooked. They believe it’s like being a gambler, always searching for rewards that Match intentionally makes hard to find.
Match has dismissed the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” but some experts in online dating think it reflects a larger concern. They say these apps are turning human experiences into games for profit, leaving users feeling exploited.
Mia Levitin, the author of “The Future of Seduction,” compared big tech to big tobacco, suggesting that smartphones are as addictive as cigarettes. She wasn’t surprised the issue ended up in court.
While it’s hard to prove a direct link, one study found that couples who meet online may have less stable marriages. Natasha McKeever, a lecturer at Leeds University, pointed out that dating apps often encourage bad behavior, like ghosting and breadcrumbing.
She explained that having a dating app on your phone might make you think there’s always a better partner just a swipe away. A recent survey found that millennials spend about 10 hours a week on dating apps, similar to social media. This excessive scrolling can negatively impact mental health.