After a long day, Sam would slump onto the couch and start swiping not out of excitement, but out of habit. What started as a hopeful search for a partner had turned into a numbing nightly routine. Dozens of faces, endless small talk, and yet nothing to show for it. Eventually, Sam hit a wall. He deleted all his dating apps for a month. In that break, he rediscovered hobbies, caught up with friends, and recharged his spirit. When he returned to online dating, he did so with fresh eyes and a new game plan.
If you are feeling drained by dating apps, you are not alone. Many people experience “dating app burnout,” a mix of exhaustion and frustration with the process. One study found that while 79% of daters were excited by the possibilities on apps, 88% were disappointed by the actual options they encountered. It is easy to get overwhelmed or jaded. In fact, it is common for users to go through “download and delete” cycles using the apps for a while, then deleting them to take a breather, only to return later when they feel ready again. The key is recognizing when you need to step back and how to refresh your approach instead of mindlessly swiping on.
Tips to Overcome Burnout:
- Take Breaks to Recharge: If swiping feels like a chore, pause. Delete the app for a week or two. Focusing on yourself for a bit can restore your energy and optimism.
- Set Small Goals: Rather than matching with everyone in sight, aim to have one meaningful conversation at a time. Quality over quantity prevents overload.
- Mix Up Your Approach: Try a new app with a different format or attend an in person meetup or singles event. A change of pace can reignite the spark of excitement you once had.
Call to Action: Feeling burned out? Give yourself permission to log off for a while. Use that time to live your life and remember what makes you happy outside of dating. Then, when you’re ready, come back to it with a focused, positive mindset. You might be surprised how a short hiatus can make online dating fun again.
Sources: psychologytoday.com