The problems with dating apps and how they could be fixed – two relationship ethicists
Dating sites and apps have made it easier to find sexual and romantic partners, expanding the pool of potential mates to include the entire internet.
- Dating sites and apps have made it easier to find sexual and romantic partners, expanding the pool of potential mates to include the entire internet.
- Before dating apps, many people met partners through family, friends or work, which meant that potential partners were often “vetted” by people we trusted.
- There are even dating apps exclusive to people with certain political views.
- The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life.
- Apps are designed carefully to hold your attention using elements and rewards that make using them feel like playing a game.
- Finally, dating apps encourage users to objectify each other through rapid judgment based on appearance.
- From rapid swiping with little information beyond a picture on apps like Tinder, to Grindr’s grid of torsos, dating apps make it easy to dismiss with a glance.
Can dating apps be better?
- Our continuing exploration of these topics has convinced us that the people who design dating apps could do more to improve the experience for users.
- This is why, at the Centre for Love, Sex, and Relationships at the University of Leeds, we are also launching a new research project on ethical dating online to explore how apps can become a better experience for everyone.
- Dating apps could give users more information about their preferences and behaviour.
- Finally, apps can “nudge” users towards more ethical behaviour, encouraging them not to ghost someone, for example, or enforcing a cooling-off period for serial swipers.
- While this might feel intrusive, remember that dating apps are already doing this – for example, sending notifications encouraging you to check the app regularly.
Be a better dating app user
- There are also steps you can take to interact more ethically on dating apps.
- In short, remember that online dating is not just a game, even if it feels like one, and that the images on your phone are – usually – of real people.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.