My Friend Gave Dating Apps Another Chance, Then Gave Up Again

A friend of mine recently returned to dating apps after taking a few years away. They added better pictures, updated their profile, and tried to approach dating with an open mind. A few months passed without any likes or matches. Eventually, they deleted the apps because the experience was leaving them more discouraged than hopeful. Watching this happen made me think about how easily online dating can affect someone’s confidence. A thoughtful, interesting person can start questioning themselves because strangers keep swiping past a few photos. Dating apps clearly work for some people, but they can also make connection feel superficial. Conversations disappear, effort feels uneven, and people can begin to seem replaceable. My friend hasn’t necessarily given up on meeting someone. They’ve just stopped relying on apps to make it happen. Have dating apps helped you find genuine connections, or did you eventually decide to meet people another way?