The digital age has literally turned upside down and transformed the world we live in, including romantic relationships. Well yes, more and more couples are born online, thanks to social networks or dating apps it is really possible to meet a soul mate.
The data is mind-boggling and they speak for themselves, from the 2022 report carried out by Business of app, it is clear that Tinderone of the world’s most popular apps, generates $1.65 billion. Hinge, an application that aims to establish lasting relationships, in the last year has recorded a growth of new users equal to 7 million, doubling its paying users. We can define it without a doubt as a sector in constant growth, according to data collected by Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, Meetic count more than 16.5 million paying customers. Grindrthe dating app mostly used by the LGBTQ+ community, shares have increased by 400% since it went public. This phenomenon flared up especially in the pandemic, when we were already in the midst of a “digital revolution”, forced coexistence with technology and restrictions estranged us from the real world, forcing us into virtual relationships only.
Dating apps seem to no longer be a taboo, especially among younger people. Leyla Guilany-Lyard, Senior Vice President of Tinder, explained how: “The new generations experience relationships in a much more fluid and free way than in the past”, “We at Tinder strongly believe that there are no pre-established rules when it comes to getting to know someone. On the contrary, we encourage our members to open themselves to all possibilities, welcoming all types of relationships, whether they last just a few chat messages, a date or a lifetime. It would therefore seem an effective way to forge new virtual relationships and who knows, live fast infatuations or perhaps find a partner for more lasting relationships. The purpose of these applications is to get in touch with new people, get to know each other initially in a superficial way with the exchange of messages, time will allow us to find out if on the other side there is actually a similar person with a real interest in continuing knowledge in real life.
As in everything, it is essential to also take into consideration the negative aspects and risks that one may incur, such as the possibility of fraud, stalking or, in the worst cases, abuse. You need to take the right precautions to protect your safety and emotional well-being. Among the various risks, there is the possibility of experiencing the phenomenon “gosting”, or a behavior that involves the sudden disappearance of a person known online without understanding the reasons. A survey provided by Plenty of Fish shows that out of 800 people aged between 18 and 33, 80% have suffered this phenomenon. Unfortunately, the abundance of “choices” online leads users to develop the disposable mode, considering their interlocutor as an identity to be discarded when it no longer suits them. In fact, the ease with which it is possible to meet new people can push one to behave incorrectly and detached. It would be good to verify the true identity of the person you are meeting, try not to run into scams, and use the apps with common sense and responsibility, always keeping in mind that behind every user there is a real person, made of flesh and blood which must be respected as such.
Edited by Martina Hamdy
