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Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
Is Swiping Fatigue Real? How Dating Apps Are Reshaping Mental Health
A mobile phone with the Hinge dating app logo on its screen, in Athens, Greece, on 31 January 2024. ... More Photo by Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Recent studies show what many daters already feel: swiping through endless profiles can sap your mental health. Despite promising smarter, faster connections, dating apps are fueling rising levels of stress, self-doubt and emotional fatigue. While the technology keeps evolving, the human brain hasn't—leaving many users caught in a loop of micro-rejections, dopamine highs and quiet burnout. The dating app industry is projected to surpass $13 billion by the end of 2025, fueled by innovations such as AI matchmaking, video-first profiles and "relationship prediction" algorithms. Despite this technological sophistication, users report rising levels of dissatisfaction, loneliness, and emotional fatigue. A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that excessive dating app use is positively correlated with higher anxiety, depressive symptoms and decreased self-esteem. Even as user interfaces become more "intuitive," the emotional toll might grow heavier. Behavioral science has long warned about the "paradox of choice": the more options we have, the less satisfied we often feel. Dating apps amplify this dynamic, offering an endless scroll of possibilities that, instead of empowering users, usually leave them overwhelmed, disillusioned and emotionally exhausted. Decision fatigue sets in quickly when every swipe demands judgment and evaluation. Profiles blur together, genuine connections feel harder to spot, and the pursuit of "the next best thing" quietly chips away at attention spans and self-worth. Compounding the problem is intermittent reinforcement, a psychological principle dating apps borrow from casino design. Occasional "wins" (think matches, messages, fleeting attention) can trigger dopamine spikes, encouraging users to stay engaged even when the experience feels increasingly hollow. In other words, the brain learns to chase the high, not the connection. In the end, more choice doesn't necessarily mean more love. Often, it simply means more second-guessing, more emotional wear and tear and less fulfillment. Each swipe on a dating app isn't just a casual gesture. It activates the brain's reward system, triggering a rush of dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and motivation. Over time, this loop of expectation and intermittent reward can create addictive behavioral patterns similar to those seen in gambling. But it's not just the dopamine rush that reshapes the brain. When matches don't materialize or conversations abruptly end (through ghosting, breadcrumbing or soft rejections), the brain's stress pathways light up. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, spikes, leading to heightened anxiety, emotional dysregulation and, in chronic cases, burnout. As Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and chief science advisor for explains in her book, Anatomy of Love: A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray, the human brain evolved for deep, gradual bonding, not the fast-paced, transactional nature of some app-based interactions. Our neural wiring is still tuned for slow-cooked trust and attachment, not the dizzying buffet of micro-connections and rapid rejections that define today's digital dating culture. Dating apps might be leveraging neurobiology in ways our evolutionary systems aren't built to withstand, with real consequences for emotional resilience and psychological well-being. The mental health consequences of dating app usage extend far beyond a few bad dates or bruised egos. Emerging research paints a fuller, more concerning picture; here's how: While dating apps offer the illusion of limitless connection, the emotional reality for many users is far more complicated: increased isolation, lowered self-worth and a gradual erosion of authentic relational confidence. Despite the challenges, dating apps don't have to be a mental health minefield. With more intentional design and more intentional usage, they can still serve as meaningful, telling tools for connection. Some emerging platforms are already trying to shift the dynamic. Apps like Snack and Tame are moving away from the high-speed, high-volume model, introducing features like daily swipe limits, deeper profile prompts and compatibility-focused matching algorithms. These slow-dating features prioritize emotional resonance over instant gratification. However, ethical app design is only part of the solution. Experts emphasize that users must also reclaim agency over how they engage with digital dating. Practical strategies include: The healthiest way to date today may not be to swipe faster or smarter but to swipe more mindfully, recognizing that real emotional health can't be outsourced to an algorithm. Let's be clear: dating apps aren't inherently harmful, but they are powerful. And like any influential tool, they require thoughtful use, self-awareness and responsible design. When driven by algorithms optimized for attention, not well-being, these platforms can leave users more anxious, more isolated and less fulfilled than they were before they logged in. But the solution isn't to delete every app or reject modern dating altogether. It's to engage more consciously and approach digital romance with the same care we bring to our mental health, our boundaries and our self-worth. If the world moves faster than our nervous systems can process, the real challenge isn't finding love more efficiently. It's reconnecting with ourselves in the process. It's choosing depth over endless scrolls, intention over impulse and authenticity over algorithm. Because the most meaningful matches won't come from swiping endlessly; they'll come from showing up as your whole self, grounded and well, whether online or off.
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Best of all time' PlayStation game is ‘now worth £675' – or £1,600 if you have special mark on disc case from the '90s
AN ALL-TIME favourite PlayStation game could fetch hundreds of pounds if you've got a copy. Check your drawers as soon as possible because collectors might pay as much as £1,670 for the classic title. 4 Gamers in the nineties loved the original PlayStation – and obsessed over a classic Castlevania game at the time Credit: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock 4 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a treasured piece of gaming history Credit: Konami / PlayStation / PriceCharting It's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which is considered to be one of the best games of all time. The action RPG landed in 1997 and wasn't an instant hit – but eventually caught the attention of gamers and now holds a legendary status for collectors. Konami's classic title is valued at £614 if you have a new copy for the original PlayStation, according to video game collectibles price tracker PriceCharting. And even an unsealed but "complete in box" unit would fetch £327. The loose disc on its own is said to be worth £146, while the box has an estimated value of £79. Even the manual on its own is listed with a £130 valuation. But the best price for a regular copy of the game is one that's been totally sealed and has been professionally graded, potentially netting you £676. PRICED UP But there's a way to bag even more money. Some copies of the game are stamped with a Limited Edition badge, and these are potentially worth much more to collectors. For this, you'd be looking at as much as £1,669 for a professionally graded "new" copy – or £1,517 for a sealed unit without grading. Little-known free PS5 trick lets you instantly beat hard parts of game – three taps will get you unstuck while playing A "complete" box that's been opened is valued at £584, while the loose disc is said to be worth £384. The box itself is estimated at £203, while the manual would potentially fetch £75. This particular version of the game includes an "exclusive artbook and music CD". It's important to note, however, that PriceCharting simply tracks previous sales of games to create estimates. 4 The title is even rarer if you have a Limited Edition copy Credit: Konami / PlayStation / PriceCharting So there's no guarantee you'd get these exact sums if you decide to auction off your old game. You could potentially end up with more – but offers could also come in far lower. It's also worth remembering that these games could even climb higher in value in years to come (or drop off completely), so keep that in mind. CASTLE CRAZED Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was a direct sequel to Castlevania: Rondo of Blood – a less-well-known game that initially only released in Japan in 1993. OTHER PLAYSTATION HITS TO CHECK FOR Here's how much PriceCharting says some of these classic PlayStation 1 games are now worth... Doom [Black Label] Professionally Graded: £1,331 New: £1,210 Complete: £465 Loose: £24 Box: £179 Manual: £128 Tekken [Long Box] Professionally Graded: £44,275 New: £15,949 Complete: £52 Loose: £- Box: £16 Manual: £18 Doom [Long Box] Professionally Graded: £6,617 New: £6,016 Complete: £64 Loose: £- Box: £22 Manual: £22 Rayman 2 The Great Escape [Watch Bundle] Professionally Graded: £1,217 New: £1,106 Complete: £401 Loose: £238 Box: £160 Manual: £100 Final Fantasy VII Professionally Graded: £4,015 New: £752 Complete: £38 Loose: £16 Box: £12 Manual: £15 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Professionally Graded: £1,417 New: £625 Complete: £184 Loose: £108 Box: £80 Manual: £35 Batman Forever Arcade Professionally Graded: £1,390 New: £525 Complete: £202 Loose: £105 Box: £41 Manual: £69 Picture Credit: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock The 1997 sequel Symphony of the Night had an unimpressive launch but ultimately sold hundreds of thousands of copies. An initial Japan launch in March of 1997 was followed by a US debut on October 3, and then a November release for Europe. It was well-reviewed by critics, who particularly enjoyed the large and freely explorable game world. The title is now considered to be one of the best games ever made, and is an iconic part of gaming history. 4 Castlevania has since become a gaming mega-franchise for Konami Credit: Konami / Wikimedia Commons And the Castlevania series went on to become a hit franchise for Konami.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Best of all time' PlayStation game is ‘now worth £675' – or £1,600 if you have special mark on disc case from the '90s
AN ALL-TIME favourite PlayStation game could fetch hundreds of pounds if you've got a copy. Check your drawers as soon as possible because collectors might pay as much as £1,670 for the classic title. 4 Gamers in the nineties loved the original PlayStation – and obsessed over a classic Castlevania game at the time Credit: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock 4 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a treasured piece of gaming history Credit: Konami / PlayStation / PriceCharting It's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which is considered to be one of the best games of all time. The action RPG landed in 1997 and wasn't an instant hit – but eventually caught the attention of gamers and now holds a legendary status for collectors. Konami's classic title is valued at £614 if you have a new copy for the original PlayStation, according to video game collectibles price tracker PriceCharting. And even an unsealed but "complete in box" unit would fetch £327. Read more on gaming treasures The loose disc on its own is said to be worth £146, while the box has an estimated value of £79. Even the manual on its own is listed with a £130 valuation. But the best price for a regular copy of the game is one that's been totally sealed and has been professionally graded, potentially netting you £676. PRICED UP But there's a way to bag even more money . Most read in Gaming Some copies of the game are stamped with a Limited Edition badge, and these are potentially worth much more to collectors. For this, you'd be looking at as much as £1,669 for a professionally graded "new" copy – or £1,517 for a sealed unit without grading. Little-known free PS5 trick lets you instantly beat hard parts of game – three taps will get you unstuck while playing A "complete" box that's been opened is valued at £584, while the loose disc is said to be worth £384. The box itself is estimated at £203, while the manual would potentially fetch £75. This particular version of the game includes an "exclusive artbook and music CD". It's important to note, however, that PriceCharting simply tracks previous sales of games to create estimates. 4 The title is even rarer if you have a Limited Edition copy Credit: Konami / PlayStation / PriceCharting So there's no guarantee you'd get these exact sums if you decide to auction off your old game. You could potentially end up with more – but offers could also come in far lower. It's also worth remembering that these games could even climb higher in value in years to come (or drop off completely), so keep that in mind. CASTLE CRAZED Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was a direct sequel to Castlevania: Rondo of Blood – a less-well-known game that initially only released in Japan in 1993. OTHER PLAYSTATION HITS TO CHECK FOR Here's how much PriceCharting says some of these classic PlayStation 1 games are now worth... Doom [Black Label] Professionally Graded: £1,331 New: £1,210 Complete: £465 Loose: £24 Box: £179 Manual: £128 Tekken [Long Box] Professionally Graded: £44,275 New: £15,949 Complete: £52 Loose: £- Box: £16 Manual: £18 Doom [Long Box] Professionally Graded: £6,617 New: £6,016 Complete: £64 Loose: £- Box: £22 Manual: £22 Rayman 2 The Great Escape [Watch Bundle] Professionally Graded: £1,217 New: £1,106 Complete: £401 Loose: £238 Box: £160 Manual: £100 Final Fantasy VII Professionally Graded: £4,015 New: £752 Complete: £38 Loose: £16 Box: £12 Manual: £15 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Professionally Graded: £1,417 New: £625 Complete: £184 Loose: £108 Box: £80 Manual: £35 Batman Forever Arcade Professionally Graded: £1,390 New: £525 Complete: £202 Loose: £105 Box: £41 Manual: £69 Picture Credit: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock The 1997 sequel Symphony of the Night had an unimpressive launch but ultimately sold hundreds of thousands of copies. An initial Japan launch in March of 1997 was followed by a US debut on October 3, and then a November release for Europe. It was well-reviewed by critics, who particularly enjoyed the large and freely explorable game world. The title is now considered to be one of the best games ever made, and is an iconic part of gaming history . 4 Castlevania has since become a gaming mega-franchise for Konami Credit: Konami / Wikimedia Commons And the Castlevania series went on to become a hit franchise for Konami.
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Meta Agrees To Stop Tracking Or Profiling U.K. User
Message showing Meta's new subscription plans regarding ads. (Photo by Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via ... More Getty Images) Meta has agreed for the first time to stop targeting a Facebook user with ads on the basis of their personal data. After a four-year dispute, the company has signed a negotiated settlement, just days before a U.K. lawsuit was to be heard in the High Court. Human rights advocate Tanya O'Carroll filed the case in 2022, claiming that Facebook's targeted advertising system fell under UK GDPR's definition of 'direct marketing'. This meant that individuals had the right to object, and could opt out of surveillance-based advertising—a request the company had previously refused. Meta, however, argued that its ad system didn't target individuals directly, but rather groups, and that it therefore didn't fall under the same legal requirements. O'Carroll first became concerned about targeted advertising after discovering in 2017 that she was pregnant - something that Meta clearly discovered too, as she started receiving ads about pregnancy and motherhood. At that stage, she said, she hadn't even told all her family and friends. "This settlement represents not just a victory for me, but for everyone who values their fundamental right to privacy. None of us signed up to be trapped into decades of surveillance advertising, held hostage by the threat of losing the ability to connect with our loved ones online," she said. 'Finally, this shows that we all have a right to access social media without paying with invasive levels of personal data." Unusually, the UK's data regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office, intervened in the case, saying it supported Carroll's case. "People have the right to object to their personal information being used for direct marketing, and we have been clear that online targeted advertising should be considered as direct marketing," said a spokesperson. 'Organizations must respect people's choices about how their data is used. This means giving users a clear way to opt out of their data being used in this way." Meta has now agreed that it won't display any direct marketing ads to Carroll on Facebook, process her data for direct marketing purposes or carry out profiling for direct marketing to her. And the case could set a precedent. "Big Tech companies should not be above the law," commented former UK attorney general Dominic Grieve. "If companies like Meta want to operate in the UK, they should be directed to follow the same legal standards as everyone else—respecting people's privacy rights, not exploiting them at any cost." In the EU, Meta has moved to a 'pay-or-consent' model, requiring users to either consent to tracking and profiling or pay Meta to access ad-free versions of its services. However, 5,000 people across Europe have recently made requests to Meta, asking the company to stop processing their data. Formal complaints have been filed with the data protection authorities in Germany, Spain, and Norway. Meta says it still fundamentally disagrees with O'Carroll's claims, saying that no business should have to give away its services for free. "We take our UK GDPR obligations seriously and provide robust settings and tools for users to control their data and advertising preferences," said a spokesperson. "Facebook and Instagram cost a significant amount of money to build and maintain, and these services are free for British consumers because of personalized advertising." The spokesperson added that the company is now looking at giving U.K. users a similar pay-or-consent model to those in the EU.
