Society

Nelly Farhoudi

Dating App Design and the Loneliness Epidemic Among Gen Z

A head-and-shoulders portrait of a young woman with warm skin, long dark brown hair parted on the side, dark eyes with winged eyeliner, a subtle nose stud, and glossy reddish-brown lips. She wears a black off-the-shoulder top and a gold sunburst pendant with a green center. She smiles softly while looking directly at the camera, against a blurred background of large windows.

Hi! I’m a fourth year Professional Communications student interested in digital culture and how media shapes the way people connect and communicate. I enjoy talking to people and hearing different perspectives, which has influenced both my academic interests and creative approach to communication. During a semester abroad in the Netherlands, I studied Music Marketing and Management, which gave me a broader perspective on how media and platforms shape everyday interactions. I’m also a creative person who enjoys exploring ideas through different forms of media and storytelling.

My research explores how dating app design contributes to the loneliness epidemic among Gen Z. While these platforms are intended to facilitate connection, many users report experiences of burnout, rejection, and disconnection. Drawing on user generated content from platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as academic and news research, this study examines how features such as swiping, algorithmic visibility, and ghosting shape user experiences.

The findings suggest that dating apps often shift the focus from meaningful connection to validation and comparison, influencing how users present themselves and interpret interactions. As a result, connection can feel inconsistent or difficult to achieve, despite the increased accessibility of potential partners. This highlights how platform design plays a key role in shaping emotional and social experiences, particularly for a generation already reporting high levels of loneliness.

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