In his 1989 book The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg emphasizes the importance of third spaces, such as cafés, parks, bars, and bookstores, in offering neutral, informal settings for socializing and experiencing a sense of belonging.
Third spaces were once the heartbeat of social connection, but as the world increasingly functions online, such physical spaces are slowly disappearing, taking with them the rich, spontaneous connections they helped foster.
At first glance, dating apps provide a modern solution to losing third spaces, offering an endless stream of potential partners at the swipe of a finger, even in the absence of physical proximity.
However, these platforms can paradoxically contribute to an even deeper sense of disconnection and loneliness, leading to feelings of rejection, mistrust, and emotional exhaustion while dating.
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