Is Online Dating Causing an Increase in Depression?
A recent article from CNN examined several studies finding that with the rise in online dating and apps like Tinder, dating and meeting new singles has become as easy as a swipe of the finger, but the question following is whether this is making people happier or increasingly depressed.
The article analyzes the feelings of rejection being just as prevalent online as they can be in person. In a 2011 study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, rejection can be attributed to the same part of the brain that processes physical pain. Along with rejection of online dating, the increase has also affected people’s self-esteem. About 1,300 college-age students involved in a 2017 study by the journal Body Image, said the use of Tinder caused decreased satisfaction with their body image and an over all lower self-esteem compared to non-users. The way apps like Tinder and Bumble operate allow for feelings of disposable social interactions that develop increased self-awareness on ones looks and body image. The disposable interactions also create the feelings of something better being just around the corner.
The rise of the dating apps comes from the increased use of technology, in a chart done on the “Global digital population as of October 2018 (in millions)” active social media users around the world are around 3.4 billion with active mobile social media users close behind at around 3.2 billion. The CNN article reports, “Tinder, Bumble, Match, Plenty of Fish and Zoosk — rank in the top 50 highest-grossing social apps in the Apple Store.” The addiction to self-affirmation through social platforms has shown a link to depression and anxiety. Another study from University of Illinois psychology professor, Alejandro Lleras surveyed 300 university students about their mental health and how cell phones and internet use are linked. In an article about the study for EurekAlert!, Lleras said, “People who self-described as having really addictive-style behaviours toward the Internet and cellphones scored much higher on depression and anxiety scales.”
Other articles applauding dating apps like Tinder find that the positives can be simply just meeting new people or opening up the realm of dating in real life. These apps allow for people that regularly wouldn’t be comfortable meeting someone new in person to take their time to work on their first impression and open up to someone before meeting them in real life. In a USA Today article, a survey of 1,000 singles between 18–25 found that 72 percent of Tinder users are consciously staying single. The norms of life are being put on hold for young people to learn about themselves and grow. The benefits of these dating apps are keeping the door open for partners or relationships but also allowing young people to focus on careers, social lives and personal time. The argument on this side sees a benefit from apps keeping young adults single but still able to meet new people on apps like Tinder or Bumble. Bumble even introducing friend or business filters to their otherwise dating app. The survey also found that while young people are single they are more open to new experiences which can be beneficial for personal and mental growth.
Returning to the original question, has online dating increased depression? Well, the studies have shown an increase of depression and anxiety in those most active on social media and a rise of dissatisfaction in one’s appearance. With the rise of these dating apps people have become increasingly aware and critical of themselves while at the same time being critical and disposing of those on these apps, constantly looking for something better. The argument is clear that these apps are affecting the way people experience dating but also how people are severely analytical. But these apps are also opening the door for people that are apprehensive to meet someone in person and breaking boundaries in one’s life plan of constant partner searching, encouraging young people to stay single and meet new people. That is if people decide to use them for that.
Anyway these dating apps are perceived, at the end of the day they aren’t real, profiles can be faked or enhanced, exchanges can be made and passed and interactions can be highly anticipated with thorough disappointment. The studies showing a rise in depression is a vital sign of the ever growing need for human interaction and the barricade technology is putting in the way.
