Dating Apps Are Extending the “Just Talking” Stage, Study Finds

The rise of dating apps and digital communication has significantly altered the way people form relationships, leading to the prolonged “just talking” stage before dating becomes official. A recent study published in the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy sheds light on this modern trend, highlighting both its advantages when looking for dates and the potential problems that it can cause with dating as a whole.

According to researcher D. Scott Sibley, this phase often lacks clear direction, as individuals aim to keep things casual and avoid early commitments. Unlike traditional dating, where connections are often developed through face-to-face interactions, the digital landscape introduces ambiguity. Fear of rejection and the desire to keep options open are driving factors behind this slower approach to dating, which can also lead to users following up on fewer matches due to low commitment.

While the “just talking” stage can offer time to screen for compatibility, the researchers caution that it can also create delays in moving the relationship forward. This slow pace may leave couples stuck in a loop of endless conversations without progressing toward meaningful milestones like official dating or marriage. On the other hand, it can also lead to more authentic interactions, something that users are currently desperate for.

For dating platforms, this could mean a change in direction – specifically in how they push users to engage with others. Some apps might choose to focus on making this “just talking” stage a core part of the experience and lean into the slower pace, while others might be forced to rework certain parts of their dating process to try and cut down on users getting into stagnant conversations that eventually die out.