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As winter arrives, colder days drive more activity on dating apps, but also bring increased vulnerability and confusion in dating behaviour.
Dating apps can be exhausting, so it’s important to step back and prioritize your mental health when feeling drained or stressed, avoiding constant activity when not in the right mindset.
As the temperatures drop and days grow shorter, many find themselves feeling a sense of loneliness, prompting a surge in activity on dating apps in search of connection. However, this winter chill also appears to negatively affect dating behaviour, with feelings of vulnerability and confusion becoming more prominent.
Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, explained in an interview with Hindustan Times that the winter blues, often linked to the seasonal affective disorder, are behind this shift in behaviour. He highlighted that the lack of sunlight and shorter days lead to lethargy, affecting users’ energy levels and interaction patterns on dating platforms.
Mittal pointed out several behaviours linked to the winter blues that daters should be aware of:
Unintentional Ghosting
The winter season often makes people more socially withdrawn, with some retreating into a “hibernation phase,” unintentionally ghosting their matches. Mittal emphasized that it’s not a lack of interest, but rather a temporary dip in energy and mood, making social interactions feel like a chore. To handle this, he recommends giving space to those who seem distant and keeping conversations light and casual—avoiding heavy questions that require deep commitment.
Endless Swiping
As energy levels plummet, many users get stuck in a cycle of endless swiping without making meaningful connections. This “swiping spiral” is common among users in their mid-20s to early 30s, who often find themselves overwhelmed after long scrolling sessions. Mittal suggested setting time limits for browsing—like 20 minutes per session—and focusing on meaningful interactions with one person rather than accumulating matches. He noted that fostering a genuine connection is more fulfilling than endlessly scrolling through profiles.
Cuffing Season Pressures
During the colder months, many singles feel an intense urge to enter a relationship for the warmth and comfort of companionship. However, this pressure can lead to rushed decisions and regrettable matches. Mittal advised daters to resist the impulse of “cuffing season” and take their time to find genuine compatibility. He cautioned against comparing oneself to others in relationships and encouraged setting realistic expectations for connections, to avoid the regret that may follow rushed decisions and carry the emotional burden into the new year.
Dating apps can be overwhelming, especially during the winter months. If you’re feeling mentally drained or stressed, take breaks from the app. Don’t push yourself to be constantly active or online when you’re not in the right headspace. Prioritize your mental well-being.
