Do you feel like dating apps don’t work? Don’t worry, you’re not the only person with that perception. In fact, numerous studies confirm this premise. So if you’re curious about how Tinder works, you might want to know some reasons why the experience might not be what you expect.

If so, here I have put together different reasons why dating apps may not work as you think. Furthermore, each reason is supported by several studies, to be able to talk about the topic properly.

Why don’t dating apps work?

Although you may know some success stories, the reality is that the margin of conquest in dating apps is not as high as you think. To explain it better, I have put together some reasons that expose the ineffectiveness of these applications when it comes to creating a casual or formal bond.

1. People lie on their profiles

This may not be the biggest revelation in the world, but it’s important to keep in mind that everything you read on a dating app can be heavily disguised. In fact, a study by the international research agency OpinionMatters revealed that 53% of its more than 1,000 participants acknowledged having lied in their profiles.

This can degenerate into an expectations problem, which could lead to disappointment if the date doesn’t meet the unrealistic standards you had in mind.

2. Short lasting relationships

The bonds created through dating apps have a high stigma of being ephemeral. As detailed on the Psychology Today website, a study by Michigan State University reveals that relationships that begin in virtual environments have a 28% probability of ending in the first year of the relationship.

3. External problems also exist in apps

Do you find it difficult to form a connection in the real world or find it difficult to find a casual meeting opportunity? Let me tell you, things don’t get any better when you download a dating app. At least that’s what Trond Viggo Grøntvedt, a member of the psychology department at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, says.

In his study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, he shows that using Tinder does not guarantee you have more relationships. In fact, he points out that people who have difficulty finding partners in real life will hardly see any improvement on Tinder or similar apps. There are people luckier than others. Perhaps with more confidence and security when it comes to relationships, you can call it whatever you want.

The truth is that, for these people, Tinder represents a limited increase in intimate partners. So, if you are not in that group of people, your opportunities may be just as slim or slimmer.

4. Frustration and exhaustion

The BBC news portal compiled a series of studies that show how the use of dating applications can produce a strong feeling of exhaustion. This phenomenon occurs due to the fatigue generated by the endless options of potential partners.

The article details studies carried out by Badoo and Hinge, two applications for making friends and flirting. These investigations show how more than 50% of its users have expressed having felt exhaustion, frustration or emotional fatigue due to unrewarding interactions. Such a situation leads people to uninstall applications because they feel unsuccessful.

How effective are dating apps?

Image from Cloudwards

We must take into account the experience offered by apps like Tinder or Grindr; one of the gay apps of the moment, can vary widely between users. Not all interactions will result in meaningful connections and there are many more factors that go into the effectiveness of these apps.

In fact, according to a survey by the Bumble app, 72.6% of its users consider that using technology is a smart way to connect with other people. Likewise, between 2016 and 2021 there was an 81% increase in subscription rates worldwide for dating applications.

Additionally, a study conducted by the Pew Research Center clarifies that 42% of American adults consider that the use of applications has made it easier for them to find long-term partners. While 53% of the people consulted claim to have had very positive experiences.

Although there is still a large margin of people who do not obtain the expected results. Therefore, there is no precise or satisfactory answer.

Why do people get Tinder?

Both men and women and members of the LGBTIQ+ community have their own reasons for entering applications like Tinder. It can be simple social use for entertainment purposes, finding a partner or just out of curiosity. They are even used as apps for couples looking for something different.

The platform allows you to make connections with like-minded people with the aim of leading to a serious relationship or a casual encounter. It is not for nothing that the application has reached, to date, more than 55 million matches.

All of the above is due to the need to bond with another person to satisfy the individual’s social and emotional needs. Here you can highlight affection, affiliation, protection, company, care, reproduction and more.

This enables effective experiences for the individual, such as validating each other, having fun, entertaining oneself, sharing interests, establishing emotional or friendly relationships, and gaining sexual experience. Although it is still a complex topic that requires more research to analyze user experiences both inside and outside of Tinder.

Dating apps not working: Frequently asked questions

If you have more questions about this, here I quickly answer some of the most common questions about why dating apps don’t work.

What is the best app to meet people from other countries?

There are many applications with which you can meet people from other countries. In fact, there are even more specific tools such as apps to meet Koreans or apps to travel with people. The truth is that the answer will depend on your interests and what you are looking for with these international connections, but both Tinder and Bumble are good places to start looking. I don’t recommend very niche apps like freakit!.

What is the best dating app?

According to the Pew Research Center research cited above, Tinder is the most popular app among adults under 30 years old. It is followed by the Match app and then Bumble. Of course, it should be noted that determining which is the best depends mainly on your personal preferences.

Dating apps not working?

As you can see, it’s something you can try, but preferably with expectations to a minimum. What I can recommend is that you take it calmly and not expect big changes in the way you relate to others. Now tell me, what has your experience been? Leave me your answer in the comments.

Likewise, I invite you to share this entry on your social networks so that more people can join the talk.

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