How often have you encountered «ghosts» on dating sites? You chatted with a person online, or maybe even went on a date. Everything seemed to be fine, and then the communication gradually faded away or the person disappeared altogether.
Dating apps have greatly influenced the way we start, form, and end romantic relationships. And we can ask ourselves: does using online communication services encourage us to behave differently than in real life? Does it generate bad or antisocial behavior?
One of the most common situations is when people use dating apps even when in a relationship. with a Tinder profile have a partner or are married.
People also use applications for dating to maintain relationships as a «fallback». At the same time, according to the study, it does not matter whether they are single or have a permanent partner — about 73% of all that «in reserve» they have at least one person.
Researchers that «spare relationships» are so common because here we can get what we lack in an existing partnership. It can be easy and relaxed communication, positive emotions, compassion and understanding, as well as the opportunity to be open: to share personal experiences and, perhaps, even secrets.
Plus, online dating apps make it easy to end a relationship, especially if the couple hasn’t met in person yet. This is how the notorious «ghosts» appear.
Also people can use apps dating just for fun. Therefore, on dating services, it is easy to become a target for trolls who just want to create conflict and harass other online users for their own satisfaction.
Finally, we generally tend to behave more freely online than in person. So ignoring messages, rudeness, dirty jokes and abrupt disappearance of a person — something that we can encounter when communicating online.
Dysfunctional behavior on dating apps seems to be commonplace now. However, this does not change the fact that online dating is a good way to meet your man. Perhaps we just need to be vigilant and careful when using such services.
Text: Tatyana Zasypkina