By Victoria Campbell
Online dating apps are growing in popularity in the college environment. Convenience has become a primary reason why several people use apps like Tinder and Bumble.
With so many profiles available, it seems guaranteed that someone would find a connection amongst them. However, the risks of using these apps may outweigh the benefits.
Hailee Jennette, a sophomore at SUNY Plattsburgh, uses both Tinder and Bumble.
In Jennette’s experience, these apps tend to have a negative feel because they are not natural, as you’re swiping based on someone’s appearance rather than meeting in-person based on personality.
“I think these apps can harm the dating culture just because people are starting to think that life revolves around hookups and no relationship will come out of it,” Jennette said. “It’s a one-and-done deal.”
The dating culture has the potential to become unemotional and impact the definition of a relationship. Online dating can ruin the dynamics of a relationship and expectations.
Online dating may also cause side effects, such as depression, rejection issues and anxiety, it can negatively cause low self-esteem, according to Embark Behavioral Health, an organization that offers mental health services.
While several college students use these apps, there are precautions one should take. Catfishing has increasingly been a problem for Jennette.
“I have been catfished and sexually assaulted by someone I met there, which leaves a traumatic experience,” Jennette said.
This experience has impacted Jennette’s habits of using online dating. A report done by UK Finance reported that roughly 27% of users experienced being catfished within the last year.
Jennette said using dating apps is not a good idea if looking for a long-term relationship.
Not only can it impact one’s self-worth, but it is socially unhealthy. People get used to talking over a screen, and when meeting face-to-face, it can cause anxiety and awkwardness because it is not the traditional way to meet someone.
“People are starting to feel unworthy, and online dating does not allow you to get out of your comfort zone and talk face-to-face,” Jennette said.
People tend to be much harsher over a screen, which can impact one’s confidence, especially since these dating apps have become increasingly used for hookups.
Unless you are looking for a hookup, these apps are unsuccessful, Jennette said.
Meeting friends or significant others can be difficult, especially if you get used to talking through text or social media.
Online dating might not be successful because people want different things, whether a relationship, hookup or fling.
It can be easy to give off the wrong impression, and people are more likely to swipe on people they are physically attracted to over personality or things they might have in common.
Online dating will continue to give college students a false sense of what dating is.
