Treena Orchard's Book Exposes the Darker Side of Dating Apps, Advocating For Change To Promote Genuine Relationships and User Experiences.
Treena Orchard, an anthropologist at Western University, embarked on her journey into the world of dating apps with high hopes, expecting to find meaningful relationships and partners. However, the reality was far from her expectations. Despite being smart, funny, and accomplished, she encountered countless challenges in finding the right connection, which starkly contrasted with her previous dating experiences.
As an anthropologist, Orchard began documenting her dating app experiences to identify patterns and understand why she wasn't succeeding. Her findings eventually led her to write Sticky, Sexy, Sad: Swipe Culture and the Darker Side of Dating Apps, a book that delves into the complex and often darker side of dating apps.
Orchard, known for her research on marginalized populations, initially turned to dating apps after recovering from alcoholism and an abusive relationship. Her initial excitement turned into frustration as she struggled to find meaningful connections despite having thousands of matches. Over time, she noticed recurring themes that highlighted the stark contrast between her personal dating curiosity and scholarly analysis.
Her book blends memoir and academic insight, providing a personal and scholarly perspective on online dating. Orchard discusses challenges like ghosting, objectification, and the addictive swiping culture that often leads to superficial interactions and diminished interpersonal skills.
She critiques the dating app industry, highlighting how these platforms prioritize endless swiping over genuine connections, causing users to remain on the apps rather than find meaningful relationships. Financial struggles within the industry reflect declining user satisfaction.
Despite her critique, Orchard believes dating apps have the potential to facilitate genuine connections. She advocates for changes to improve the user experience, urging the industry to move away from superficial swiping culture and promote meaningful relationships.