2016 is the year for new advancements in technology, healthcare and even dating apps. When you search the keyword “dating apps” on iTunes’ App Store, hundreds of options pop up to cater to one’s needs.
Looking for just a hookup? There is an app strictly for just sexual favor exchanges. Looking for plus size women and men?
Check out BBW (big beautiful women) dating app.
There is even a dating app for single parents. What a time to be alive.
But can these apps really bring true love or a relationship that does not fizzle out the moment you give into those sexual favors?
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in the late 1800s said that society was heading towards nihilism- a world devoid of meaning, morals and values. Some could agree with Nietzsche’s philosophy with the rise of these dating apps. People can judge others by what they look like and within a second decide to swipe right and continue on a path to hookups or true love.
But could these swipes and messages lead to something more? Such as a long term relationship? Italian scientists found that the molecules associated with euphoria of love- neuropeptides, return to their normal levels within 12-24 months of being in a romantic relationship.
This means that when people choose dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Plenty of Fish, they are choosing based on sexual preference and appearance, making it harder for relationships to last long-term.
Some students at Cabrini feel that even though Tinder has its drawbacks, it can still be a viable option to find love.
“People who meet through dating apps could go either way. It’s usually rare for relationships to last a long time from meeting on dating apps but it also depends on the person,” junior education major, Amie Roetz said.
Roetz’s last relationship did not last long when she met him online but she is hopeful for her new journey with her current boyfriend Brandon.
“I matched with my boyfriend on Tinder a day after Christmas and we messaged each other a lot. On New Year’s Eve I met him a person through a friend that I used to dance with,” Roetz said. “We went out to dinner, a park for our first date, and it’s been a month now so I am looking forward to being together longer.”
Many people might feel that online dating can create masks of people’s true identities. When girls look their best on profile pictures and guys show their sensitive side on their dating profiles, it can create a fake image that slowly fades. But others also think it depends on the person you look for on these online dating apps.
Senior Parissa Ghafari was tired of guys who were not serious about relationships and going on dates that went no where. She decided to give Tinder a try after her friends encouraged her to try it.
“I was on Tinder for a day- an hour actually,” Ghafari said. “ I only had three matches because I am extremely picky. I ended up having a conversation with this guy and it took us one month to even meet because of how busy I was.”
Ghafari made arrangements to incorporate dating into her hectic schedule.
“Now one year later I couldn’t be more happy with James. Many people look at Tinder as a hookup site but in my personal experience it was anything but that,” Ghafari said.
Ghafari found her boyfriend James on Tinder and he was actually serious about dating too. But Ghafari knew what she was looking for which stopped her from constantly swiping to the next best thing.
“I changed my age range to 30-35 because I feel men are more serious about relationships at that age,” Ghafari said. “ I also extended my search to a 30 miles radius in order to meet new people who I didn’t already come across at bars or through friends.”
Ghafari was one of the lucky ones to find love that has lasted a year. She feels that being honest, putting in effort and showing constant care is what has made her relationship last.
“It’s been an amazing year and I am looking forward to many more with James,” Ghafari said.
Maybe dating apps are not killing long term relationships. The line is drawn down the middle on this issue. The most recent research done by Pew Research shows data from 2005-2013 based on attitudes from Americans about online dating. In 2005, 29 percent of people thought those seeking mates online were desperate but in 2013 the number decreased to 21 percent.
According to junior social work major, Sam Sheridan, he would rather stay away from them.
“I kind of think dating apps are really weird because you don’t really know a person from a computer or phone,” Sheridan said. “I guess I just prefer to meet people the old fashioned way. Dating apps could potentially define this generation as a hookup generation.”
