Dating isn’t what it used to be, and I think we can all feel that. I’ve had countless conversations with friends, and the same frustration keeps coming up — dating feels like a minefield. But what really changed?
First off, dating apps. They promised to make everything easier, but they’ve turned finding a connection into something that feels more like scrolling through a catalog than meeting a person. Everyone’s judging a whole human being on a few photos and a bio. A swipe right or left determines your romantic fate, and that can be pretty demoralizing, especially when you keep swiping and… nothing.
Then there’s the issue of unrealistic expectations. Social media hasn’t helped here. Everyone’s life looks perfect online, and that includes their relationships. People are chasing this ideal of perfection, but it doesn’t exist. The second someone shows any flaw or doesn’t live up to some imagined standard, it’s easy to move on to the next option. But no one is perfect, and relationships require patience and effort — something that seems to be getting lost.
There’s also been a shift in how gender roles are viewed, which can make dating more confusing. Men are often unsure of what’s expected. Should they be more traditional or more progressive? Do they pay for dinner or is that seen as patronizing? It’s a balance that some find difficult to navigate.
And let’s not forget ghosting. It’s become almost a norm. You think things are going well, and then — poof — radio silence. No explanation, just gone. That kind of experience builds walls around people, making them hesitant to try again. The emotional exhaustion starts to outweigh the excitement.
So, what’s the result? A lot of men are simply opting out. They’re tired of the games, the superficiality, the confusion. It’s not that they’ve given up on love or connection; they’re just burnt out from the process. The spark that used to come with dating has been replaced by frustration, and sometimes, it feels like it’s easier to be alone than to keep trying in a system that doesn’t feel fair or real anymore.
It’s not just men, either. Dating has changed for everyone, and we’re all feeling it. But for many men, it’s reached a point where giving up feels like the only option left. Maybe it’s time we rethink what dating has become and how we can approach it with a little more humanity again.