Dating Apps are Dangerous for Sex Addicts

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/