"Dating in 2026 is confusing, exhausting, and for some, downright scary. We want connection more than ever-but we're terrified of choosing wrong, being vulnerable, or looking foolish. I don't think people are worse at dating in 2026. I think we're just more overwhelmed. We are so used to digital interactions that analog (real-world) experience now feels intense and nerve-wracking. We are socially rusted."
"Dating these days feels less like meeting someone and more like preparing for a performance review you didn't apply for. It's like The Hunger Games, but with cocktails. Everyone has a highlight reel, a short attention span, an obsession with validation, and a quiet suspicion that someone better is one swipe away. Romance didn't die-it just got put on hold while everyone checks their phones. Maybe that's why AI companions are looking pretty attractive these days, because they are easier than humans."
Digital habits shaped by social media have made in-person dating feel performative, high-stakes, and anxiety-provoking. People crave connection and consistency yet fear vulnerability, making dates feel like auditions where highlight reels and the possibility of a better match undermine presence. Constant app use, short attention spans, and validation-seeking behaviors amplify stress and reduce comfort with analog social interaction. Some find AI companions appealing because they offer predictable, low-risk connection. Lowering perceived stakes, focusing on simple connection markers, and expecting less perfection can reduce performance pressure and help restore basic face-to-face social skills.
Read at Psychology Today
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