SIGNS OF ADDICTION
Just as gambling, playing games, and drinking alcohol can make us addicted, so can using dating apps.
A review of studies on dating app use found that users who spent a lot of time on the apps had personality traits of being anxious, sensation-seeking, and low self-confidence.
Here are some signs that you are already addicted to dating apps:
- always think about dating apps
- Mood changes because of this application
- spend too much time using the application
- feel difficult if you don’t use the application
- have a negative impact on your quality of life in the real world
- It’s hard to stop using the application
If you feel these various characteristics, try taking a break from dating applications for a certain period of time. The higher our level of dependence on the application, the more difficult it will be for us to take a break.
If you feel this way, it’s a good idea to contact professional psychological help to stop the addiction.
Lastly, remember that dating apps do open up a way to meet new people, but they are not the only way.
There are still many face-to-face events that can be your opportunity to meet new people and build relationships.
So, step away from the screen and get as much of a dopamine boost from relationships in the real world, rather than just the virtual world.
This opinion piece was written by Anastasia Hronis, a clinical psychologist at the University of Technology Sydney. This opinion piece first appeared on The Conversation.
