Are dating apps addictive?

Dating apps are certainly a popular tool in the dating world of today.  They are useful in many ways, and like so many things in today’s world, they are at our fingertips.  With that being the case dating apps can easily become addictive if not mindful of how much you are using them.  It will be important to be mindful of possibly being addicted or not to make sure you are actually using them for their purpose rather than filling a void.

As far as addictions go, anything can actually be addictive.  An addiction implies a lack of balance, so it will be important to keep in mind your balance of time as you use dating apps.  They can be a positive outlet to fill some time with, but you should also have other positive outlets to engage in.  If you are too dependent on dating apps to fill your time, it can easily lead to codependency on dating and relationships.  If you are single and dating or in a relationship, it is always important to balance other outlets in your life. 

It is also wise to keep in mind that, like most apps out there today, dating apps are meant to lure us in and to make us want to open them up more and more.  It is important to keep that in mind to check in with yourself about what parts of the apps really lure you in.  For example, if you are getting somewhat addicted to just looking at people’s pictures, that will get in the way of the true purpose of why you are using the apps.  On that note, it is important to check in with yourself about your intent with using the apps.  There is no right or wrong answer there, but just important to own what you want to use the dating apps for rather than feeling pressured to use them in a particular way.  For example, if you have no intent to meet people in person and are just using it to talk to others, make sure to own that and make sure that you are putting out that energy.