Dating apps promises modern connections but for many women, they’re just a new stage for old prejudices. Now is the time to rewrite this narrative. However real change won’t come from technology alone — it requires a shift in our approach.
The advent of technology has reshaped the way people meet, offering an escape from traditional matchmaking and a chance to form connections beyond social and geographical limitations. It promises autonomy, choice, and the thrill of possibility — all in the palm of one’s hand. But as women embrace this digital dating culture, they also find themselves navigating a complex web of biases of harassment and unspoken social rules that reflect the very structures they sought to leave behind.
With 78 percent of Indian women on dating apps reporting harassment and caste-based filters still present on some platforms, it’s clear that while technology has removed forward, certain prejudices remain stubbornly intact. However, change is happening — both in how women engage with these platforms and how dating apps are evolving to create safer and more inclusive spaces.
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUT NOT WITHOUT HURDLES:
For many women, dating apps offer opportunities that were once out of reach. The ability to choose a partner based on shared interests rather than family expectations is a significant shift. Yet, some societal biases continue to shape these digital interactions.
Men would ask subtle questions about my surname or hometown, conversations would abruptly end once they figured it out. It’s disheartening that even in digital spaces where we should be connecting over shared interests and values, these age-old biases continue to determine who gets a chance and who doesn’t.”
While this issue persists, some dating apps are making efforts to counter it by removing caste filters and promoting matches based on compatibility rather than background. More users, too are becoming aware of these biases and choosing to challenge them.
FREEDOM, BUT AT A COST?:
Another major challenge women face is the digital double standard — balancing between being “too much” or “not enough”. Dating apps encourage self-expression, but social expectations still dictate how women should behave.
Initial conversations quickly devolve into inappropriate comments about my appearance or assumptions about my character based on my photos. “If I respond politely but firmly to set boundaries, I’m labelled as ‘too uptight.’ If I engage in casual banter, I’m suddenly ‘easy’. There’s this impossible standard where women are expected to be both conservative and liberal simultaneously. The offline double standard definitely seeps into the online world.”
Despite this, dating apps have provided women with greater agency in choosing how and when to engage with potential partners. Many now prioritize safety features, from AI-driven moderation to better reporting mechanisms, aiming to make digital dating a more respectful experience.
TOWARDS A MORE INCLUSIVE FUTURE:
While dating apps still reflect societal biases, they also hold the power to reshape them. Conversations about safety, consent, and inclusivity are growing louder, with platforms responding to user demands for change. While challenges exist, awareness is the first step toward progress.
What many don’t realize is that these platforms can become microcosms of society’s worst biases, amplified by anonymity and distance. The psychological impact of repeatedly facing harassment, discrimination, or rejection based on social profiles shouldn’t be underestimated.”
“But at the same time, we are seeing a shift. More women are speaking up, and dating apps are being accountable for creating safer, more inclusive environments.”
But real change wouldn’t come from technology alone — it requires a shift in how we approach dating itself. It means questioning ingrained prejudices, holding people accountable for their actions online and offline, and ensuring that digital romance doesn’t come at the cost of dignity and safety. Until then, women will continue to swipe — but with caution, resilience, and the hope that the next match will be on their terms.
