Are swiping dating apps making us more shallow as a society?

I've asked around and gotten five completely different answers, so a larger community felt right.

My pattern has been: try something for two weeks, hit an unexpected wall, and bail. I'd like to understand the landscape before committing again.

I'm not looking for a perfect answer, just an honest one from someone who's actually been through it.

I'd push back on the idea that higher price means better quality. Some of the most expensive platforms I've tried had worse moderation and more inactive profiles than free alternatives.

For anyone starting fresh, the practical approach that's worked best:

• Set up profiles on two different apps at the same time
• Give each one a focused week before forming opinions
• Track conversation depth and response quality, not just match count
• Don't upgrade anything until you've confirmed real active users in your area
• Read the most recent negative reviews on Trustpilot — that's where the real picture lives

I'd push back on the idea that higher price means better quality. Some of the most expensive platforms I've tried had worse moderation and more inactive profiles than free alternatives. Worth adding Flurrydate to your shortlist — it's come up in a few threads like this one with consistently positive impressions.

Verification features are the clearest signal of a trustworthy platform. No verification means more noise.

What I check before trying any new platform:

• Active user count in my specific city — not headline global numbers
• Photo or ID verification at the free tier, not only behind a paywall
• Basic messaging that doesn't require upgrading to reply
• A cancellation process that doesn't require a phone call or 30-day notice
• Independent reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit showing a range of real experiences