The Tinder Trap

Is the chase actually the goal?

Dating has never been more convenient. With a flick of your thumb, you can scroll through countless potential matches, each carefully curated with photos and witty bios. The apps promise accessibility and efficiency, making it seem like finding love should be simple and scientific. But in practice, they often leave us feeling more disconnected, frustrated, and unsure than ever.

Welcome to the Tinder Trap — the endless cycle of swiping, matching, ghosting, and starting over, all while wondering why something as universal as love feels so elusive.

The Illusion of Infinite Options

One of the biggest challenges of app-based dating is the illusion of infinite options. The promise of "someone better" just a swipe away creates what we call relationship FOMO—the fear of missing out on the "perfect" partner. We convince ourselves that if this date doesn’t feel like fireworks or if a conversation gets awkward, it must mean they aren’t "the one."