How successful are dating apps in the Indian scenario? Key relationship and dating insights shared by leading Indian couples therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo
We are living in an era where love has become digital, transforming the way we connect, communicate, and cultivate relationships. Gone are the days of waiting for handwritten letters or coordinating phone calls; now, love blossoms through texts, video calls, and social media interactions.
The advent of dating apps has revolutionized the dating landscape, breaking down geographical barriers and creating connections that transcend borders. Despite the convenience and connectivity they promise, the rise of digital platforms in the pursuit of love also brings about its own set of questions:
Are online dating apps truly worth it?
WHAT ARE THE PROS OF USING DATING APPS?
- Simple and Quick – Online dating apps provide unparalleled convenience in finding your ideal partner. By browsing profiles and chatting at your own pace, you can meet new people from the comfort of your couch or on the go. Simply upload photos and write a bio to get started. Unlike traditional methods, apps let you connect with potential matches anytime, anywhere, making it easier to find love amidst a busy schedule.
- A Touch Of Versatility – The best part about online dating apps is their versatility in helping you find the right partner. By broadening your dating pool, they connect you with diverse people you might not meet otherwise. Detailed profiles showcase interests and values, aiding in finding compatible matches. Apps disregard barriers like class, caste, religion, and gender, offering equal opportunity. Whether you’re outgoing or reserved, they provide a safe space to explore and connect, overcoming barriers like fear of rejection.
- A Better Match – Did you know that online dating apps use special algorithms to help you find better matches? These algorithms analyze your interests and preferences from your profile and interactions. For example, if you like outdoorsy people who work in academia, the app will show you profiles that fit these criteria. This saves you time by suggesting potential matches you’re more likely to get along with. Instead of swiping through countless profiles, the app does the hard work of finding compatible people for you. It’s like having a personal assistant for dating! By focusing on similarities in hobbies and personalities, these apps make it easier to connect with someone who shares your interests and values. So, next time you’re on a dating app, remember that behind the scenes, clever algorithms are working to find your perfect match.
WHAT ARE THE CONS OF USING DATING APPS?
- Choice Overload – Imagine stepping into a huge supermarket where every aisle is filled with different brands of cereal. There are so many options that it’s hard to pick just one. Online dating apps can feel like that supermarket sometimes. Instead of cereal boxes, you see countless profiles of people looking for a connection. It’s exciting to have choices, but it can also be overwhelming. Swiping through all those profiles and trying to decide who to talk to can be tiring. You might start to feel like nobody stands out anymore, and it’s hard to make a decision. This “choice overload” can make us value the people behind the profiles less. It’s like being in that supermarket aisle, surrounded by too many options to make a quick decision.
- Violation of Privacy – Online dating apps collect extensive personal data, including political views and biometric information. Scams and bots are common, complicating genuine connections. Users must screen matches rigorously. These apps also gather data from third parties and devices, analyzing photo details like location and time. Some even scan images to infer interests. This abundance of personal information raises significant privacy concerns, complicating the quest for love online.
- Deception and Dishonesty – Another side of online dating apps involves deception and dishonesty. Not everyone you meet there is truthful about who they are or what they want. Some people create fake profiles, pretending to be someone else entirely. This could lead to disappointment or even danger when meeting in person. Scammers also use these platforms to trick people into giving away personal information or money. These issues are serious and can make users wary of trusting others online.
These are just a few facets of the complex world of online dating apps. While they offer convenience, diversity, and sophisticated matching algorithms, they also present challenges such as choice overload, privacy risks, and potential deception. Ultimately, engaging with these platforms demands caution and discernment to establish genuine connections in the digital age.
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship Counsellor by world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained on specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, is also Certified for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialised training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counsellors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practice independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India but also listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital – Institute of Brain & Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
