Dating Apps Commodify Relationships And Increase Loneliness

In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, an analysis argues dating app design and business models encourage perpetual use and commodify relationships, citing Match Group’s recent fourth-quarter revenue of US$878 million and a 5% year‑over‑year decline in paying users. It warns gamified interfaces, intermittent rewards and endless choice prioritize engagement and monetization over sustained connection, reshaping expectations and increasing loneliness.