health
How to navigate 'the highs and lows' of dating apps, according to a psychologist
Don't swipe when you feel lonely and need a distraction, says New York-based psychologist Sabrina Romanoff.
TL;DR
- 73% of singles plan to use dating apps to find partners this year.
- Before swiping, clarify your values and what you seek in a partner, reflecting on past relationships.
- Be aware of whether profiles emphasize physicality or personality.
- Avoid swiping when feeling lonely or needing distraction, as negative emotions can cloud judgment.
- Process negative emotions before using dating apps; sign on when calm and collected.
- Dating app outcomes do not determine your personal worth; external validation is not the sole marker of success.
- Algorithms and timing affect visibility on apps; rejection is not necessarily a personal failing.
- Avoid making dating the sole focus of your life; cultivate friendships and pursue hobbies for balance.