The Ghost Of Love

How the oversaturated dating app scene has left singles spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic love, but in denial when it comes to self-love

By Sanchia Saunders

In the world that we live in today, online dating has emerged as the predominant method for dating. Whether that's on apps like Tinder and Bumble, or the alternative method that many people opt for which is sliding into DMs. This is the most popular way that singles find love. 

According to an OFCOM report, a staggering 1 in 10 UK adults has ventured into the world of online dating, transforming the dating scene into a revolving door. A whopping 74% of millennials and GenZers are active participants in this modern matchmaking.

If someone doesn't quite tickle your fancy or match your pie, then it is immediately out with old and in with the new, and online dating has definitely made this much easier in recent years.

With the internet serving as a colossal platform for people sharing their lives through pictures and videos, the dating landscape has undergone a radical transformation. But has this digital evolution done more harm than good?

While some internet relationships, like Central Cee and Madeline or the more publicised Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, seem to blossom, not all stories are sunshine and roses. Some relationships haven’t even had the chance to bloom, thanks to the new rise in ghosting.

So what is ghosting? 

So, what's this ghosting phenomenon all about? It's the abrupt and often brutal end to a potential or even established relationship without any prior warning. The aftermath? Tears, bruised egos, and some people swearing off dating altogether, bidding farewell with a resounding "boy bye."

This pervasive ghosting trend has left a sour taste in the mouths of many daters, and the statistics speak volumes.

According to a study from the Journal Of Social And Personal Relationships, a quarter of the 1,300 people surveyed had experienced ghosting. Ditch before you hitch seems to be the new mantra, and it's not just unusual; it's starting to take a toll on mental health.

More and more individuals are opting for a disappearing act, like a thief in the night, contributing to a decline in mental health and a diminishing appeal of dating apps for the younger audience. According to MailOnline, '8 in 10 college students never use apps and prefer to meet partners the traditional way,' mainly due to the self-doubt induced by the current outbreak of ghosting.

This is because according to an article by Medical News Today, ‘A person may encounter dating anxiety when they start dating again after a long-term relationship, especially if they have experienced rejection or emotional pain’. This ripple effect even extends into the bedroom, with statistics from Mashable revealing that "59% of women bailed on sex due to insecurities."

So what can be done to win over GenZ ? 

With the current dating apps on a decline with Bumble having to lay off 30% of their work force after failing to entice GenZ users. 90% of GenZ say they are frustrated with dating apps. The most popular reason being ghosting.It looks like the youth no longer want to be singing 2012 banger ‘We found love in a hopeless place’ and instead something more fresh and current like Muni Longs ‘Twin where have you been’.

Ghosting has become an all-too-common experience in the realm of dating apps. The challenging statistics reveal that, on average, a mere 1 in 500 swipes leads to the exchange of phone numbers, and it takes a staggering 56 matches to orchestrate a meet-up with just one person. With endless stagnant chats. It's no surprise that Generation Z finds dating apps frustrating, as they seem to fall short of fulfilling their intended purpose.

Addressing the rising concerns of mental health

In addressing the rising concerns of mental health associated with dating apps, it's crucial to explore proactive measures that platforms can adopt. The prevalent issues like ghosting and the superficial nature of swipe-based interactions contribute to heightened anxiety and depression. Here are ways dating apps can evolve to foster a more positive and supportive environment. 

Examples being: 

• Rematching
• Matching on similar interests 
• Prompts/ Decision Making 
• Security/ Verification

Ensuring users' success in their endeavors and minimising time wastage by transparently communicating the removal of chat functionality can improve users' experience with these platforms.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, the future remains uncertain. The current frustrations with ghosting, catfishing, and oversaturation call for innovative measures. Matching on shared interests, decision-making prompts, enhanced security, and reward systems are potential avenues for improvement. Safety measures, verification enhancements, and support functions during dates can address risks, especially concerning sexual assault, which affects 33% of women who report meeting someone on a dating app.

The future of dating is up for debate. Head to our Instagram to voice your opinion in our poll of the week. What changes would you like to see in the dating landscape? Let your voice be heard!

Credits:

• Stanford University. (2019, August 21). Online dating popular way for U.S. couples to meet.
• Brianamacwilliam.com. (n.d.). Millennial & Gen Z dating statistics.
• Ofcom. (2024). Swipe right this Valentine's Day: Top 10 online dating services revealed.
• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Ghosting. In Words We're Watching.
• Mashable. (n.d.). Majority of women declined sex due to body insecurities: Survey.
• Women's Health Magazine. (n.d.). Why men ghost.
• Daily Mail. (n.d.). Dating apps Bumble layoffs hit Gen Z.
• Medical News Today. (n.d.). Dating anxiety.