There is no denying that over the past decade, the social stigma associated with online dating has drastically declined. Online dating is now one of the most common ways for individuals to find a partner. In fact, experts predict that 50% of relationships will begin this way within the next few years.
As many of the apps are conducive to more casual relationships, it could be argued that the rise in dating apps has led to a decline in monogamy. Some may argue that dating apps have altered people’s expectations of what romance is, leading millennials, in particular, to believe that monogamy is contrary to the norm.
We now have more access to potential partners than ever before. With apps catering to every age group, every niche of hobby and interest, we can now search for potential partners the same way we shop for clothes! Dating apps have their perks, they can expose us to hundreds of people with just a tap of the thumb. However, this comes with some downfalls…
The Paradox of Choice
Although having countless people to swipe through may seem exciting, it actually exposes us to what is known as the Paradox of Choice: having too many options can make our decisions more challenging as it can create an expectation that there may be someone more perfect out there.
Let’s say you come across someone on an app who ticks most of your boxes, you have a really lovely first date and you want to see them again. But you just can’t help but wonder whether there is someone more attractive, more intelligent, or funnier just a swipe away.
It’s not surprising that numerous studies have shown that single people who do not use dating apps have greater life satisfaction and well-being than those who do.
What is the future of dating?
Since dating apps are here to stay, it leaves me as a matchmaker questioning what is in store for the future of love. Two things give me confidence: One is that there really is no replacement for genuine human connection. The other is the fact that you are reading this article, which means there are still people out there who may be interested in a long-term romance. For that, you just may need to look past the phone screen and take a glance into the world of matchmaking.
Matchmaking and online dating are at different ends of the spectrum. While both involve outsourcing your love life to a third party, online dating can be impersonal and monotonous, matchmaking offers a more personal and human touch.
Studies have shown that singletons who use online apps to search for love become increasingly concerned with partner traits they had not previously found so important, such as appearance. Whereas those who did not use online platforms held other things in high regard such as shared values. At Maclynn International, we believe that shared values are the greatest determinant for long-lasting and meaningful love and our 85% success rate holds testament to this.
As a matchmaker, while I am aware of the importance of attraction, I am also aware of the importance of shared values. Thus, our matchmakers will speak to their clients to give them the backstory of their potential match: what are their values, beliefs, interests, and how well do they complement your own? This will enable the client to build a realistic image of the match enabling them to get to know the person, rather than swiping based on looks alone.
Empathetic guidance from Maclynn
At Maclynn International, we provide a warm framework in a cold and impersonal world. We only match those who are seeking a meaningful, long-term relationship, which we accomplish by providing our clients with a unique approach, blending psychological principles with character-driven profiling. A matchmaker is also a friend, a coach, a person who can make your dreams come true by finding you that special someone. Contact us today to find out how we can help you on your journey to love.
