Most
people are becoming familiar with popular "dating apps" such as
Tinder, Grindr, and OK cupid. These apps can be positive - they are a way to
meet people around you, make friends and potentially find love. Many people
have found significant others from Tinder and OK cupid, and Grindr is a way gay
people in the community can connect. Unfortunately, more often than not, people
use these apps as a way to "hook up," or participate in brief sexual
encounters. Instead of going to a bar or club with the intention of meeting
someone for a "one night stand," people can sit in their own home and
talk to many sexual suitors at once. While the apps themselves are not
dangerous, they present significant problems for those dealing with sexual
addiction. The recent onset of these apps make having sex with random people
easier now than it has ever been, which can be very dangerous for sex addicts.
In recent
years, more and more people are becoming aware of and being diagnosed with
sexual addiction. Some experts agree that this could be a side effect of the
rise of these dating apps. These apps provide access to essentially limitless
people who want casual, even anonymous sex. This perpetuates sexual addiction,
as addicts have an increased number of sexual opportunities that they can act
upon at any time. These apps can also cause people who are at risk for sexual
addiction to fall into potentially unhealthy sexual behaviors and patterns.
Dating
apps also present significant challenges for those who are working to recover
from sexual addiction. They provide readily available temptations to recovering
addicts, as they can use the apps to browse for sexual partners and participate
in compulsive sexual behaviors. Recovering addicts who are familiar with these
apps know that they are only a couple messages away from sex, and this can be
extremely difficult to resist.
These apps
are only problematic when an individual feels discomfort, guilt, and depression
that surrounds their activities. If you or someone you know is using dating
apps to facilitate unhealthy or compulsive sexual behaviors, it may be time to
seek help. L.I.F.E. Recovery offers access to tools that can help you learn to
live with sexual freedom and integrity. It is never too late to take the first
step!
Reference:
"Has
Online Dating and Other 'Sexnonogy' Fueled Rise of Sex Addiction?" https://www.sundancecenter.com/news/has-online-dating-and-other-sexnology-fueled-rise-of-sex-addiction/