It’s Valentine’s Day and you don’t have a date. If you’re like most people in this generation, the go-to method to find one is to log into a dating app. Dating apps have changed the way people date. It’s easier to meet others and get into relationships. There are so many different dating apps out there that it sometimes feels like a full-time job just keeping up with them all. Even if you only use one or two of these apps, your phone will constantly buzz with notifications from matches and potential hookups. This can lead to an addiction where you feel like every waking moment needs to be spent interacting on your favorite dating apps.
You’re not alone. Dating app addiction is a real thing, and it can be hard to get through the day without swiping right or left on your phone. We get it—you want to meet someone special but can’t seem to find anyone who lives up to expectations (or even just wants a real relationship).
You know that it isn’t healthy to spend hours swiping and messaging people on your phone. But the thought of deleting all those apps is overwhelming. It feels like there will be nothing left in your life if you don’t keep up with Tinder, Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge and more. It is especially hard to get over your addiction to dating apps after the Covid-19 pandemic happened. With a lot of people forced to stay inside their homes, dating apps became like a refuge to find new connections.
If you find yourself spending more time than you should on dating apps, there are ways to break the habit and move forward with your life. The best way to get through an addiction like this isn’t by going cold turkey like deleting the dating apps, but rather by slowly weaning yourself off of the apps over time.
We put together some tips for how you can break free from the cycle of swiping and messaging. Here are 5 ways to help you spend less time on dating apps (without actually deleting them) so that you can focus on what matters most in your life.
1. Turn off dating app notifications
Online dating can be fun and convenient, but the constant notifications and messaging can get in the way of other things like work or school. If you’re working or studying from home, it becomes more problematic because there’s really no one to police your phone use. So, how can you lessen your dating app habit?
Turn off the notifications of your dating apps. That way you wouldn’t see the constant barrage of updates throughout the day. You would save time by not having to check these apps as often and only see new updates when you consciously go and open the apps. This will help you stop getting distracted so you can focus on other stuff.
2. Remove dating apps from your home screen
If you have your dating apps on your phone’s home screen, it is easier to get tempted to open them. To avoid having to see these apps constantly, put them in a folder at the end of your phone’s menu. As the saying goes: “Out of sight, out of mind”.
3. Keep your phone away from you when doing other tasks
You’ll be surprised that physically distancing your phone away from you can work wonders. If you’re the type who can’t help but reach for your phone every minute, then make it harder for yourself to do so. For example, if you are supposed to finish a house chore or some school work, put your phone in another room of the house so you won’t have easy access to it.
4. Pursue a new hobby
Boredom is often one of the primary reasons why many people use dating apps. If you feel that your usage is already unhealthy, divert your focus and energies into other activities. Pursue hobbies that do not require the use of your phone or the internet. Try sports, art, cooking, and other activities that will get you moving.
5. Connect with old friends and family
While dating apps are convenient when trying to find new connections, being dependent on them can also have its disadvantages. Meeting random people all the time makes it less possible to forge deeper connections. Plus, there are instances when dating app addiction can be dangerous too.
If you feel that you’re missing human connection, try reconnecting with old friends and family. This can help you feel that you’re not alone and there are people who care for you and support you.
If you are struggling with a behavioral addiction, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
