Life Kit You don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!
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Apr 27, 2026 
Marissa Cohen, a relationship scientist and marriage and family therapist, breaks down why dating apps can feel addictive. She talks about gamification, FOMO and burnout. She covers setting swipe limits, making profiles match real intentions, moving to quick video calls, protecting sexual and relationship boundaries, and knowing when it is healthier to log off.
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Why Dating Apps Feel So Hard To Quit
- Dating apps hook people with slot-machine psychology, not just convenience, which can turn matching into compulsive monitoring.
- Dr. Marissa Cohen cites dopamine hits from likes and roses, intermittent reinforcement, and FOMO about missing the right person online.
Set Boundaries Before The App Sets Them For You
- Set firm limits on app use so dating does not become a second job or an endless swipe session.
- Try time blocks, designated app days, breaks, or a swipe cap so you read profiles instead of treating people like an infinite deck.
Match Your Profile To What You Actually Want
- Get honest about what you want from the apps, then make your profile and conversations match that goal.
- Dr. Marissa Cohen warns that optimizing to attract everyone creates chaotic mismatches when your profile does not reflect your real interests or intentions.