Big Think Dating apps encourage our worst instincts. Here’s how to be more ethical | Christine Emba
Aug 26, 2025
Christine Emba, an Opinion columnist at The Washington Post and author of *Rethinking Sex*, dives deep into the chaotic world of dating apps. She highlights their role in creating a swipe-swipe culture filled with superficiality and emotional risks. Ghosting and harassment have become normalized, leading to mental health challenges for many users. Emba advocates for a more ethical approach to dating by prioritizing genuine connections and respectful interactions, urging us to treat others as people, not just profiles.
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Online Dating Expanded Social Reach
- Online dating greatly increased the number of partners people can meet outside their communities.
- That expansion especially helped marginalized groups who otherwise lacked access to matching partners.
Privacy Lowers Accountability And Harms
- Dating apps create privacy that reduces accountability and enables worse behavior.
- Surveys show many women receive explicit images, insults, and threats while using apps.
Harassment Is Common On Apps
- Large surveys quantify harassment and harm experienced by women on dating apps.
- Reported issues include unsolicited sexual images, persistent contact, offensive names, and threats of physical harm.
