How introverts can prevent online dating burnout and enjoy meeting new people

Swiping, chatting, hanging out and ghosting have become the culture of online dating. After a while, each pretty face, interesting bio, chiseled body, mysterious profile, is overshadowed by accumulating disappointment that love is smoky filtered faces and bathroom mirror pictures.

In short, the road to love never ran smooth despite the increasing sleekness of phone screens to swipe on for a date match. Despite this, it can be hard to leave these dating sites holding out for a maybe.

"Dating app burnout refers to exhaustion that comes from prolonged dating app use. There are a few basic signs of this fatigue: when a user associates negative feelings with approaching dating apps; when the act of using the app and the ensuing dating process exhausts them, and when it feels like a second job," says Nora Padison, licensed professional counsellor.

Stick to one dating application

The temptation to subscribe to numerous dating sites or applications is strong. Users feel like it increases their chances of finding a match, unfortunately dating-site-hopping leads to mishaps due to different interfaces.

“I get used to the interface of one, and then I go to the other and I'm like, ‘Oops, I just swiped left on somebody that I meant to like or I just super liked someone that I meant to just see their pictures,” says Rosemary Guiser.

Set realistic online dating personal expectations

Online dating gives many people an invitation to act disrespectfully or to toy with others. Behind the screen it is easy to feel like communication isn't between two people. Being on the receiving end of emotional harassment can easily lead to burnout and negative attitudes. It helps to roll with the punches while keeping your best interest at heart.

"I’m going red-flag hunting, by learning how to quickly pick up on aspects of a person’s profile that indicate she’s not right for him. But that in itself can be exhausting. This perpetual judging, you're looking for landmines, and that also is mentally taxing,” Andy Hong says.

Take a dating app pause

Taking time off the app and working on yourself either by deleting it or logging off for a while are good things.

Being spoilt for choice and the fear of missing out are a common mishaps in online dating making it easy for users to drop matches and cut their losses.

The longer time you spend on dating sites it gets increasingly easier to fall in the toxic trap of thinking love may forever evade you if one is not constantly active.

Make sure you are in a good place before getting on the grind, but the challenge is to remain in a good place mentally and emotionally.