Do dating apps have you going, “left, right, left, right, left, right, go” like bbno$? You’re not alone. In fact, according to data collected by Statista, regarding online dating demographics, 13% people who are 50–64 years of age, 26% of those who are 18–29 and a hefty 61% of those who are 30-49 report using dating apps in an effort to make romantic connections.
But with growing reports of online dating fatigue, described by Google as “a feeling of exhaustion, frustration and discouragement that can occur when someone spends a significant amount of time on dating apps, often due to the overwhelming number of potential matches, repetitive interactions, and the lack of meaningful connections, leading to a desire to take a break from the process,” many of those in the dating pool find themselves longing for a return to analog dating styles.
There are countless results when searching “dating culture,” including ubiquitous sources such as Buzzfeed, the New York Times and Better Help, in addition to therapists, dating coaches, bloggers, Reddit posts and YouTube videos. And, are even scholarly authorities like Oklahoma State University and MIT, all seeking to make sense of the modern dating scene.
With this never-ending stream of information in addition to the process of swiping through potential suitors, meeting for first dates, and going back to the drawing board, making sense of what does and doesn’t actually work when seeking Mr./Ms./Mx. Right, or even just Mr./Ms./Mx. Right-Now, may seem impossible to determine the path ahead.
Gen Xers often find themselves fighting the urge for absolute independence, leftover latch-key instincts instilled from a young age combined with parsing through cultural changes and delayed personal pursuits in favor of career success. Millennials often seek to redefine traditions and roles within relationships, often turning to therapy and self-improvement. Gen Z tends to work to overcome the anxieties attached to stepping away from a purely digital interface, instead socializing through more intimate face-to-face interactions in a post-COVID world.
All of these demographics face the risk of rejection, which stings no matter your age, but with risk often comes reward. By stepping away from the dating apps in favor of real-world connections, the interactions shift from a process that’s eerily similar to modern job hunting in favor of adventure first and foremost, with the added benefit of new friends and perhaps new love interests.
The common consensus seems to agree that the best way to meet people, be they a new friend or maybe more, is to get into the world and connect through shared interests, mutual friends or similar goals.
Luckily, if you’re reading this, you’re more than likely in a perfect spot to check all of those boxes on Kirkwood’s campus. With a diverse student body spanning generations, interests and demographics, many of opportunities to connect through clubs and organizations, as well as through events organized by the college for its students, it’s hard to miss the opportunity to make connections of all types. However, if meeting new people in a completely organic setting seems daunting, many sources include seeking out events for singles as a fantastic option.
Many cultures have multiple words describing the different types of love we feel based on the different connections we have — each one is precious. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find that special someone right around the corner when you’re not even looking.
Categories: Feature
