Dating Addiction in 2025 – Can Online Dating Lead to Dependency?

Online dating has undoubtedly revolutionized the way people connect and emotionally bond in relationships today. The dating market is enormous, catering to all kinds of interests and preferences. There are countless dating websites and mobile apps tailored to the needs of large target audiences and specific niche groups. These platforms make it possible to find a potential match anytime—conveniently from home or on the go. At first glance, online dating appears to be the solution to all the problems a single person might face.

However, not everything that glitters is gold. Online dating also has its downsides. As a user of a platform and the internet in general, one must always be aware of the risks. Besides psychological and financial aspects, other dangers are associated with using dating apps. Privacy issues, fake profiles, subscription traps, and other deceptive tactics aimed at increasing revenue for platform operators can significantly diminish the user experience. Furthermore, the emotional strain caused by constant evaluation from others poses a significant risk for many.

Blessing and Curse – Modern Technology

The dangers of the internet and the many risks of online dating addiction are serious societal issues. Online dating continues to grow in popularity, and the use of dating apps shows no signs of slowing down. Today, it is entirely normal to seek a partner for the night or a lifelong relationship online. Digital matchmaking has become fully established—it is simple, fast, convenient, and often provides more accurate partner suggestions. However, the risks associated with the internet, as well as the psychological, social, and neurological consequences, are numerous and severe.

The use of various modern technologies should always be critically examined. Addiction is a serious issue that extends far beyond substances or behaviors. Digital media and online dating can also trigger addictive behavior. Addiction is generally based on mechanisms that stimulate the brain’s reward system, making people want to continue an activity because it triggers the release of happiness hormones. This continuous stimulation of the reward system persists even when it has negative effects on one’s life.

The Development of Online Dating Addiction

Addiction manifests in different forms and intensities. It is important to recognize that no addiction fits neatly into a single category—it is always an individual issue with various causes, effects, symptoms, and consequences. Internet addiction is classified as a behavioral addiction and describes excessive internet use. Without any control over their behavior, affected individuals experience a negative impact on their daily lives.

People suffering from dating addiction spend increasing amounts of time in the virtual world, neglect real-life social interactions, and fail to fulfill their responsibilities. When offline, they feel extreme inner restlessness and irritability. The addiction arises from both constant availability and the fact that likes, positive comments, and virtual interactions activate the brain’s reward system. Both social media and modern online dating apps deliberately use mechanisms that promote dopamine release. Dopamine, the so-called “happiness hormone,” creates a sense of satisfaction—a truly great feeling that one never seems to get enough of.

It’s a Match

It may sound like a harsh accusation, but online dating platforms intentionally use mechanisms that can be addictive. At the end of the day, dating apps are a business model designed to generate revenue. Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that many people have found their true love online, which is a positive aspect. However, it is also worth criticizing that many apps directly target dopamine reward systems to keep users engaged. These platforms employ mechanisms where matches, likes, and messages trigger short-term happiness.

Moreover, dating apps provide unlimited opportunities to receive matches and likes at any time. The endless swiping through potential matches—similar to “doom scrolling” on social media—follows the same principle as a slot machine. Why settle for just one match when there could be an even better one? Users continually hope for the next perfect match, turning dating into an endless game. Dating apps also incorporate elements borrowed from the gaming industry, making the experience even more addictive

Digital Addiction Through Swipe Behavior

Swipe behavior is one of the main causes of digital dependency, as it is based on the principle of variable rewards. Users never know if the next swipe will lead to a match, which encourages repeated actions. The unpredictable nature of matches keeps people coming back, activating the brain’s reward system in a way similar to gambling. Social validation further increases engagement—people who receive many likes and comments are motivated to seek even more attention.

Gamification features such as super-likes, push notifications, or profile boosts also reinforce usage behavior. These mechanisms primarily serve customer retention but inevitably create a fear of missing out (FOMO) or not making the best possible choice. The integration of these gamified elements in dating apps and websites is worth questioning. After all, the primary focus should be on finding a meaningful partner. The risks associated with these mechanisms—ranging from economic dependencies and addiction effects to potential abuse—should not be underestimated.

The Impact of Dating Addiction

Excessive swipe behavior can negatively affect attachment ability and concentration. Furthermore, the constant availability of new matches and the ongoing search for the “perfect” partner lead to emotional exhaustion. Dating apps are designed to keep users engaged, encouraging them to log in repeatedly and start new interactions. This could involve browsing potential matches, initiating conversations, or using additional platform features. Modern dating apps incorporate elements not only for matchmaking but also features from social media and gambling environments.

This can lead to a constant sensory overload, which may be stressful on multiple levels. Users may experience “dating burnout”—a form of psychological exhaustion caused by high emotional and time investment that ultimately yields no lasting fulfillment.

Attachment Issues Due to Excessive Swiping

The dating culture has changed dramatically in recent decades. Whereas meeting someone in person was once a prerequisite, today opening an app is enough. But it’s not just the way we search for partners that has changed—online dating platforms directly influence how we conduct relationships. Some dating sites are specifically designed for certain demographics or interests, making it easier to find someone who perfectly matches expectations. This minimizes the need for compromise in relationships, which is an essential social skill.

Another issue stemming from excessive dating app use is the illusion of unlimited partners. A single swipe is enough to see a new potential match—over and over again. This can lead to existing relationships or slowly developing connections being undervalued or abandoned altogether. The belief that the next swipe might bring an even better match fosters unrealistic expectations and empty hopes of finding true happiness. Additionally, emotional superficiality increases, as dating apps prioritize physical appearance over deep emotional connections.

Strengthening Real-Life Social Connections

Online dating has reshaped how we form and maintain romantic relationships. While these platforms can be useful tools for finding a lifelong partner, their negative impacts are becoming increasingly apparent. Many young singles, in particular, experience severe emotional exhaustion and struggle with forming deep emotional bonds with their partners. The key to a healthy approach lies in consciously using dating apps while also prioritizing real-life social connections.

Online dating addiction carries numerous and severe consequences. It starts with euphoria, dopamine-driven highs, and an exciting sense of adventure. However, in the long run, it may lead to the inability to find lasting fulfillment in a relationship. Instead of working on genuine emotional connections, users simply continue swiping. Strengthening social interactions in real life, seeking psychological support, taking digital detox breaks, and adopting mindful usage habits are essential steps to overcoming dating addiction.