We’re in the business of connecting singles on our website and app, so of course – we want you here, browsing, chatting, and setting up in person dates. As we’ve always said, the goal is to meet offline! And when we heard about a new study that claims some online dating apps were designed to be addictive (psst – OBC Dating is NOT one of them!), we thought we’d chime in with some tips to keep your swiping to a safe and healthy minimum (and hooking up to a maximum)!

Avoiding addiction to online dating apps is important for maintaining a healthy balance in your life. Here are three tips to help you manage your use of these apps:

1. Set Time Limits: Allocate specific time periods for using online dating apps and stick to them. Establishing a daily or weekly limit can help prevent excessive usage. Use alarms or reminders to signal when your allocated time is up. This will help you maintain a healthy relationship with the app without it dominating your time and attention.
2. Prioritize Real-life Interactions: Online interactions should complement, not replace, face-to-face connections. Make a conscious effort to engage in offline social activities and build connections in the real world. Balance your online dating activities with in-person interactions, such as meeting friends, joining social clubs, or participating in events. This helps ensure a well-rounded social life and reduces the risk of becoming overly dependent on virtual relationships.
3. Reflect on Goals and Expectations: Clearly define your goals for using online dating apps and manage your expectations. Understand what you’re looking for and set realistic expectations for the outcomes. Remind yourself that these apps are just one avenue for meeting people, and success is not solely defined by the number of matches or interactions. By maintaining a balanced perspective, you can reduce the emotional investment that often contributes to addictive behavior.

Remember that moderation and mindfulness are key to preventing addiction. Regularly assess your usage patterns and be willing to take breaks or seek support if you find yourself becoming overly reliant on online dating apps!