How to Navigate the Exhaustion of Swiping Right
If you’ve been on the online dating scene for a while, you might have hit what is called the ‘Swipe Slump’—or, in more formal terms, ‘Dating App Burnout.’ It’s that feeling when swiping left or right seems more like a chore than a chance to find a spark. Let’s chat about why this happens and, most importantly, how to deal with it.
The Swiping Spiral
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: why does dating app burnout happen? It’s simple. These apps are designed to keep us swiping. They tap into the same reward mechanisms in our brain that love a good ‘ping!’ of a notification. You’re less likely to get burnt out from online dating if you use a site to find hot Russian singles or whoever you’re into.
Dating apps have a twist to them: when the initial excitement fades, and the matches don’t lead to meaningful connections, it starts feeling futile. It’s like being on a treadmill where the scenery doesn’t change—exhausting and a bit disheartening.
The Quantity Quality Conundrum
The paradox of choice is real. With endless profiles to swipe through, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that ‘the perfect match’ is just one more swipe away. But this constant searching can lead to decision fatigue. Ever found yourself swiping without really looking? Yep, that’s a sign you’re in the quantity-over-quality pitfall.
Recognizing the Signs
How do you know if you’re experiencing dating app burnout? Here are a few telltale signs:
- You feel drained or frustrated after using the app.
- Swiping starts to feel like a reflex, rather than a conscious choice.
- You’re not excited about your matches or conversations.
- You keep deleting and re-downloading the apps.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Taking a Break
The first and most straightforward step is to take a break. It’s okay to uninstall those apps for a while. This hiatus can be a week, a month, or however long you need to reset. If FOMO starts to creep up on you, do your best to just ignore it.
Use this break to refocus on yourself. Rediscover hobbies, hang out with friends, or just enjoy some quiet time. When you’re not constantly checking for matches, you’ll be surprised at how much time you have to do things that make you happy and fulfilled.
Setting Realistic Expectations
When you’re ready to dive back in, set some realistic expectations. Not every match needs to lead to a date, and not every date needs to lead to a relationship. Approach online dating with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than a checklist of must-haves.
Back to Quality Over Quantity
Limit your swiping time. Set a timer if you need to. Be more selective with your swipes. Read profiles thoroughly and swipe on people who genuinely pique your interest, not just because their profile picture is cute.
Try different ways of meeting people. Join clubs or groups that align with your interests, attend social gatherings, or try speed dating. Sometimes stepping out of the app bubble can bring a refreshing change to your dating life.
The Right Mindset
Lastly, keep a positive mindset. Rejection and unmet expectations are part of the dating process, online or offline. It’s not a reflection of your worth. Remember, dating should be fun, not a source of stress.
So, dear swiper, if you’re feeling burnt out, know that it’s a sign to pause and recalibrate. The world of online dating will still be there when you’re ready to return, and who knows, with a refreshed outlook, you might just find what you’re looking for.
