Online dating has become routine.
10 years after Tinder. What kind of attitude do we bring to the world?
As you probably know, MeetFirst is an app designed to encourage real-life encounters in public spaces. When I founded the company, I was greatly inspired by the findings and insights Johanna Degen had gathered regarding dating apps like Tinder.
In her research, Johanna Degen has examined not only the psychological effects of dating apps, but also the profound impact they have on our social connections. I, too, have had both positive and negative experiences with online dating, and I found Dr. Degen’s work very fascinating.
It is interesting to see how apps, which were initially viewed with optimism, have come to deeply influence our social relationships and often leave us with unsatisfactory results. Johanna Degen’s critical examination of these effects prompted me to refine my own app idea, and it became even clearer to me how important it is to foster genuine encounters in public spaces. To ensure that we don’t forget how to look up!
Image: Priscilla du Preez
Despite the challenges and negative effects that digital platforms, networking apps, and dating sites can bring, I share Johanna Degen’s optimistic view. I am convinced that we should say “yes” more often and seek out genuine encounters in public spaces! Because these can often lead to meaningful connections and little moments of happiness that we simply don’t get with a digital counterpart! It is often the looks and gestures behind the words that enrich us.
It is time to revitalize public spaces and foster genuine interactions based on authenticity and mutual respect. Johanna Degen’s research and insights are an important contribution to this discourse and inspire me to continue working toward my vision of a world where genuine interactions take center stage. But we also have to take action—namely, by getting involved!
What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us. You can read an article by Johanna Degen on DLF here:
— The MeetFirst Team!
