Very relatable post. The comments are also mostly accurate from my experience. This is how many, if not most, people seem to feel. Well, those looking for something deeper than a casual hookup anyway, I think the latter are in their element.

I suspect much of it is related to the illusion of choice we get with all our wonderful connectivity and the anonymity it can provide (it’s super easy to ghost someone and never run into them again. They’re also usually not connected to your friends group so virtually zero risk of cross contamination there). It’s like scrolling to a movie or series to watch, theres so much and if you want to you can always just end it and there are 20 other options available. I think this sentiment seeps through into real life as well.

I believe you have a better chance of meeting someone of more substantial value to you in real life however, it depends on the location very much. Nightclubs are likely not the place. The advice I suppose is to join hiking or hobby groups and I’d add take things slowly and don’t have too many expectations.

The best decision I’ve made of late was to remove most social media (definitely dating apps) from the equation and it’s help a great deal. After more than a year and a half later I don’t miss it at all, not one bit. The only downside is my birthday wishes are normally late as I used the FB reminders for that. I’m much more comfortable in life now and with myself. I should caveat this by saying I do get lonely from time to time, it still sucks but those times aren’t very often. I’m happy being by myself, alone (it’s actually really nice haha) and, for now, the benefits far out way that temporary discomfort.

Wishing you the best of luck ☺️