Does Online Dating Cause Depression?

Online dating can be a fun and rewarding experience for some people, however this is not the case with everyone. A study found that 49% of people with a pre-existing mood disorder reported feelings of depression that was triggered by online dating. 

It’s easy to see how online dating can make people feel depressed. Online dating can connect users with hundreds of people in their area who are single. That would sound great to someone who is looking for love. However, it also can increase the feeling of rejection if no one messages back or if conversations never go anywhere. This rejection can cause many of us to become more critical of ourselves. An inability to find a match might also lead to a sense of hopelessness – especially for those using online dating as a ‘last resort’ measure.  

Recognize How You Feel

Know when to take a break

Many people become addicted to online dating. In this case, it very well may be that online dating causes depression or feelings of extreme sadness.  Thusly, it’s important that you limit the time spent checking dating sites and dating apps. After all, the more time you spend in that world, the more you’ll obsess over each negative thought associated with it. It may even be worth scheduling a specific time each day for looking at dating sites and dating apps. Perhaps you should limit your time spent on them to not more than one hour.  To help you to stick to this plan turn off your notifications for any time outside of these hours. Alternatively, if you’re feeling really down, consider taking a break for a few days or weeks and returning to it (this will also provide time for new users to join).

Try alternatives to online dating

Online dating is just one dating strategy. There are so many other forms of dating that could be worth trying. Dating chat lines as found at https://thechatlinenumbers.com could be one option worth looking into. In this scenario, instead of having to message people, you can get into a phone call straight away. Another option could be to try a singles event such as a speed dating event, singles cooking class or singles club night. You could even try professional matchmaking services, allowing a professional to set you up. 

Try online dating with friends

Online dating doesn’t have to be something you do alone. You may find that you’re able to have more fun with it by getting help from a friend. Together, you could choose who to swipe and you can chat about messages and responses. Of course, this should be a friend who you trust and who genuinely cares about helping your dating life. Consider whether you have this type of friend to rely on. 

Make sure to be yourself

It’s important that you don’t try to pose as someone else when looking for a date online. Even if this does increase your chances of success in some instances, you’ll feel guilty about not being truthful and you’ll be starting any potential relationship with a lie. It’s much healthier to be yourself – be honest about your occupation, your interests and your goals. 

As far as the original question….  Does Online Dating cause Depression

Maybe yes, maybe no but it certainly can lead to frustration or sadness.

After weeks or months of no dating progress, you may feel hopeless that you’ll ever meet anyone – let alone on a dating site or dating app. Just remember that many other people are experiencing these feelings. With enough perseverance, you will meet someone – even if it’s not through online dating. The key is to not give up and to keep trying different approaches. 

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