Translator is used.

About a year ago, I decided to start using dating apps. And it turned out to be one of my biggest disappointments.

Borderless communication. Technology. The Internet era. It would seem they should help people. But in this case, they simply don't work. It's just garbage. They offer you an app with crippled functionality where you can't even press buttons without paying. Pay for a subscription. The greed of modern developers knows no bounds. I'm more than certain that developers put these apps together in a week using ready-made modules, slapped on a subscription system, and now just collecting money from foolish and naive users who are already desperate to find anyone at all in this world.

Tinder doesn't work in my region. And, of course, all other companies have simply copied its functionality — the very functionality where you can't see the photo or profile of someone who liked you, and where you can't just message a person without a match. Aren't these basic features for meeting people??? I understand this provides some primitive security, protection against bots that would instantly spam all accounts with ads. Just make paid registration. But no — then people wouldn't even try their product. Here it's "free", so register and use it. And bots creating accounts anyway. By the way, a week of premium costs around $10.

In a year of using these apps, I've had only 2 contacts. A conversation with one local person ended on the fifth message. With another person, who lived very far from my city, we chatted a bit longer (10 messages?). That's it. The rest didn't reply to my messages, even when I included text. Yes, if you're a man, don't expect any initiative from women — it's apparently our duty to message first. Anime girls from gacha games message me even more often... Maybe I'm just too old for love? But I've heard the situation is roughly the same even among younger people. It's even worse for residents of small towns. Like myslef.

It seems like about 90% of profiles in these apps are unverified accounts, scammers, bots, and various jokers. People register in the app, upload a couple of photos, and leave their profile empty — as if they don't even know why they're here in the first place. They are playing some kind of a flirting game and don't want actually to find anyone. What am I supposed to talk about with this person? Ask stupid questions to start a conversation? Ah, right — even here people have figured out how to make money. You shouldn't write typical, boring questions to interest someone you like. Here's a whole book of the best conversation openers — buy it! Why complicate everything so much?

You know, in the age of AI and deepfakes, dating apps seem unreliable. The Internet becomes less humane every year. It feels like it's not serving people anymore — people are serving it. Sure, you might get lucky on the 200th try and find that special someone in the app. But how much time and money will you waste getting there? It's impossible to reliably determine who's hiding behind a beautiful profile photo, even if the profile is verified.

Probably, you need to look for connections in real life. Despite being an introvert, shy, or having niche interests — you should find interest-based clubs and socialize there (art studios, exhibitions, conventions, etc.). That way, you can keep a conversation going and find common ground. Honestly, I've already lost all hope. But I'll try anyway.