Dating apps can be addictive because they activate the dopamine reward system. (representative)
Sydney:
A class action lawsuit filed in the US against Match Group, the parent company of dating apps Tinder, Hinge and The League, is making headlines around the world.
The claimant accuses Match of having "“Predatory” business model and use “Recognized functions of dopamine manipulation products“Keep people addicted to their apps.
So, are dating apps really addictive? Are we falling into a trap? Here’s the science behind how dating apps affect our brains.
How do apps give us that dopamine hit?
Dating apps, like many apps today, are designed to keep users engaged. As with any product on the market, one of the developers’ goals is to sell and use the app.
While dating apps are designed to foster connection, some people may find themselves forming unhealthy relationships with the app, constantly swiping left and right.
Dating apps can be addictive because they activate the dopamine reward system. dopamine is a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger in the brain that is one of many chemicals necessary for our survival.
One of dopamine’s key roles is to influence when and how we experience pleasure and rewards. Imagine the rush of winning money at the casino, or getting tons of likes on Instagram. This is the magic of dopamine.
However, dopamine does more than just help us feel happy and excited.It also plays a key role motivating We go looking for things to do that are enjoyable.It is not only released when we experience pleasant things; Looking forward and looking for A pleasant experience.
Exciting and unpredictable
Certain app features make us more likely to open our phones and start swiping. When you find a match on a dating app, you feel excited—that’s dopamine at work.
But the element of unpredictability adds to the excitement. Every time you open an app, you don’t know what profiles you might see or who might be a match for you. This element of surprise and anticipation is especially important in keeping us hooked.
Imagine if instead of going through profiles one by one, you were shown a long list of profiles at once. The feeling of matching up with people is still good, but the excitement and anticipation of passing them one by one is missing.
also, intermittent reinforcement Get involved. This is where “rewards” (in this case, competitions) come in from time to time. We knew we might get some games eventually, but we didn’t know when or with whom.
Imagine if instead of getting matches through a drip feed, you received a list of all matches from the past 24 hours every day at 9am. Your excitement and desire to check apps throughout the day may wane.
Other small features, like Hearts and Roses, give the dating app a social value. These are all forms of recognition. Receiving a heart or a rose feels different compared to something non-emotional like a “tick” or “thumbs up.” These social stimuli are rewarding and also activate our dopamine.
6 signs of addiction to watch out for
Not every dating app user will have an unhealthy relationship. Just like not everyone who gambles, plays mobile games, or drinks alcohol will develop these problems.
However, from a biological perspective, some people are more susceptible to addiction than others. Research review Research into problematic dating app usage has found that those who are likely to spend more time on apps are those higher in personality traits such as neuroticism, sociability and sensation seeking. Problems with using online dating apps are also related to low self-esteem.
While there is no current diagnosis of “dating app addiction,” some people do develop unhealthy app habits and suffer daily harm as a result.
These six “Addictive ingredient” outlines some signs you may be in an unhealthy relationship with a dating app:
- Salience (dating app use dominates your thoughts)
- Mood Regulation (Dating Apps Change Your Mood)
- Tolerance (your use of dating apps increases over time)
- Withdrawal (an obsession when dating app usage is interrupted for a while)
- Conflict (using dating apps can negatively impact your reality)
- Relapse (you return to your previous dating app usage pattern after a break)
Oh no, I think I’m hooked on an app!
So what should you do if you find yourself browsing these matches more than you’d like?
Consider not using these apps for a while. Depending on how obsessed you are with them, stopping completely for a while will help you reestablish your dependence on them.
Consider what motivates you to spend time swiping: are you bored, sad, or lonely? Besides using apps, what other ways can you find to soothe these emotional experiences?
List the practical or emotional consequences of swiping your card to remind you why you want to use it less.Maybe these apps keep you busy briefly, but in the long run they’re inconsistent with how you want to spend your time, or Doesn’t make you feel particularly good About yourself.
If you really feel addicted, taking a break won’t feel good.Strategies such as Mindfulness Can help us sit down and relieve discomfort. If you’re having trouble taking time off from dating apps, consider seeking professional help from a psychologist.
Finally, remember that apps, while great for meeting people, are not the be-all and end-all of dating.
Opportunities for face-to-face events and networking still exist. So step away from the screens and embrace the excitement, unpredictability, and dopamine rush that come with face-to-face communication. 
(author:Dr. Anastasia Hronisclinical psychologist; researcher, University of Technology Sydney)
Disclosure statement: Dr. Anastasia Hronis does not work for, consult, own shares in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant relationships beyond her academic appointment)
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