Symptoms of Online Dating App Addiction

Swiping Right Too Often?

Beware of the Risks of Online Dating Addiction!

 

Dating App Addiction: Easy to Use, Quick Access,

Digital Age Style

 

In 2024, in addition to being addicted to social media and smartphones, people have also become increasingly addicted to dating apps. The matchmaker at premium dating service, Bangkok Matching, would like to begin this article by presenting statistics on internet usage behavior among Thais in 2022, released by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. It revealed that Thais spend an average of 7 hours per day online. On workdays or school days, the average is 6 hours and 55 minutes, showing minimal difference regardless of whether it is a working day, a holiday, a school day, or a day off. Essentially, people are online for extended periods daily. Moreover, the well-known statistics website, Statista, predicts that by 2025, the number of internet and social media users in Thailand will reach 61 million.

 

Thus, it’s not surprising that using dating apps has become a new activity for people of this era. After checking messages and scrolling through social media out of boredom, dating apps offer new entertainment. Users can check if any interesting profiles have appeared, see who has liked or messaged them, and essentially, check their popularity.

 

David Greenfield, the founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and a professor of psychiatry, has confirmed that using dating apps can indeed lead to addiction. The mechanics of these apps stimulate brain chemicals that create a desire for repeated use. Even if someone promises themselves that this will be their last search for a partner, they often find themselves returning to the app to look for someone better.

 

Another factor contributing to the allure of dating apps is the quest to find a compatible partner. This search brings excitement, fun, relaxation, and relieves daily boredom. It rejuvenates the mind when people see interest in their profiles, get messages, or match with attractive, well-profiled individuals. This boosts self-confidence and enhances the satisfaction with the online persona they’ve created, even if it doesn’t reflect their real self. This phenomenon acts as a “trap,” deceiving the brain into becoming dependent on this false confidence. Some people realize and avoid this pitfall, but those with low self-confidence might rely on these apps to fulfill their happiness and daily confidence needs without realizing it.

 

Additionally, addiction is driven by the brain’s chemical called dopamine. This crucial hormone is released when we feel happy or get what we desire, providing temporary joy. Subsequently, dopamine makes you crave that feeling again, urging repetitive behavior. This is how dating app addiction starts, as users seek the thrill and happiness of meeting new people. If unaware of how these brain processes work, avoiding the compulsion to check dating apps for hours each day becomes nearly impossible.

 

Beyond addiction driven by brain chemicals, “dating app addiction” involves various factors, which Bangkok Matching would like to elaborate on:

 

Loneliness or Isolation

 

Feelings of loneliness or isolation can drive people to seek ways to alleviate these emotions. Naturally, we seek to fulfill our needs—when we’re hungry, we find food; when we’re sick, we see a doctor. However, loneliness cannot be remedied with money. Consequently, people respond by spending time searching for someone to fill this void. Initially, they might chat with someone to stave off loneliness, but if it doesn’t feel right, they move on, continuously seeking new connections. This shift from loneliness to enjoyment and the pursuit of new conversations can lead to a cycle of using dating apps or social media for endless companionship.

 

Desire to Build Relationships

 

Everyone desires a stable, non-toxic relationship, as a healthy relationship contributes to both physical and mental well-being. Seeking a serious, genuine connection involves deeper exploration of thoughts and attitudes. However, dating apps make it challenging to genuinely exchange these views, as written responses can be misleading. People might respond just to please, hoping to continue the interaction, making it difficult to gauge true intentions.

 

Seeking Self-Worth

 

Many individuals using dating apps may feel an increase in self-worth when they receive attention, messages, or start conversations. This ties into varying levels of self-esteem; those with lower self-esteem may seek validation from others. Online dating allows for typed expressions, which can be easier than speaking in person, such as compliments or declarations of affection. Thus, dating apps help boost self-esteem, particularly for those lacking confidence.

 

 

Indicators of Dating App Addiction

 

Excessive Time Spent on Dating Apps

 

To identify potential addiction, start by observing or timing your screen usage. Modern smartphones often feature tools to analyze screen time, showing which apps you use most frequently. If dating apps dominate your usage, it’s a clear sign of excessive focus on finding a partner. Prolonged use can lead to physical fatigue, eye strain, and overall health issues.

 

Anxiety or Irritability When Unable to Use Dating Apps

 

Next, consider whether you feel anxious or irritable when not using dating apps. If you find yourself restless, thinking about potential matches or fearing missed opportunities, these are signs of mid-level addiction. Such thoughts indicate a dependence on the app for satisfaction and reassurance.

 

Neglecting Real-Life Relationships for Dating Apps

 

Another critical sign is neglecting real-life relationships. Reflect on your interactions with friends and family—are they as frequent and engaging as before? If your social interactions have diminished and you focus more on dating apps, it may be time to reassess. Losing touch with real-world connections can mean you’re too immersed in online dating.

 

Spending Excessive Money on Dating Apps

 

Spending large amounts on dating app services or premium features is another indicator. While individual costs may seem small, they can accumulate significantly. If you find yourself shocked by the total expenditure, it’s time to reconsider the value and impact of these investments.

 

Conclusion

Addressing these aspects, Bangkok Matching will next guide you on recognizing signs of dating app addiction and how to manage them effectively.

 

The Impact of Dating App Addiction

 

Anything labeled as an “addiction” inevitably brings significant negative consequences. Excessive use of dating apps can adversely affect your mental health, physical well-being, and finances. The primary issues commonly encountered include:

 

Mental Health Issues: Anxiety and Depression

 

Addiction to social media or dating apps can disrupt daily life, impacting education, work, and emotional stability. It can also lead to poor sleep quality due to unrestricted app usage, causing the brain to stay active when it should be resting. This is similar to how excessive gaming affects children, leading to brain fog, slow decision-making, and poor time management. These issues can escalate into serious mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, posing long-term risks to your well-being.

 

Relationship Issues: Alienation from Friends or Conflicts with Partners

 

Dating app addiction can significantly impact your other relationships. For singles, excessive time spent searching for a partner may lead to neglecting friendships and family bonds. More severely, those already in a relationship might use dating apps, causing rifts and conflicts that can escalate to physical altercations or even life-threatening situations.

 

Financial Issues: Overspending on Dating Apps

 

It’s essential to monitor your spending on dating apps. Continuous subscription fees can accumulate, even if you’ve deleted the app but haven’t canceled the service. Investing in expensive packages hoping to find love faster is also common. However, there’s no shortcut to true love, and this misconception can lead to unnecessary financial loss.

 

Therefore, to ensure good mental health and the best value for your money spent on finding a partner, we recommend Bangkok Matching, a high-end dating service. Our professional matchmakers offer various packages tailored to your needs and preferences, without any pressure, helping you find a genuine, committed partner to build a future with.