Why Dating Apps Are So Addictive
Adventures in the Land of Dry: Part Three
Have you ever wondered why you can’t stop using a dating app? Or why you keep going back even after you’ve met someone you like?
I’ll tell you why. Similar to major social media platforms, dating app user addiction is baked into the business model.
How thrilling does it feel to receive a like, a match, a note? You don’t even need to know who liked or commented. It’s a like. Someone likes ME!
I MUST therefore be…worthy, worthwhile, attractive, smart, clever, funny, cute, a winner, successful, a good picture taker, an epic prompt filler outer. Right? That other person must have scrutinized my entire, artfully crafted profile. Based on all of that “intricate” detail, they must have made a carefully calculated decision about why they see dating potential in me.
Or maybe someone with drunken pirate eye just wanted to get laid…but I digress.
Intent doesn’t matter now. What does is why you feel an irresistible lightning bolt of arousal and excitement when your dating app pings you with some form of digital engagement.
It’s not only validation and all the stories we make up about why someone “chose” us — the addictive stickiness is a result of the physiological cascade of…
