Dating apps have revolutionized how people connect and form relationships. But with this technological shift comes new challenges and considerations around sexual health, consent, and intimacy.
Dr. Treena Orchard is an anthropologist, author, and activist in the School of Health Studies at Western University. She researches and engages in activist debates about sexuality, gender, and health among diverse cultural and digital communities. Deeply committed to public scholarship, she regularly writes for and is featured in leading online publications, including Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, The National Post, and The Conversation.
Dr. Treena emphasizes that dating apps have reshaped how people perceive and engage in relationships. These platforms are structured to encourage ongoing swiping, offering intermittent rewards that promote constant activity rather than commitment. This approach contrasts with traditional relationship values centered on choosing one partner and settling down. As a result, users may struggle to build meaningful connections, investing minimal time or energy into each interaction and often facing instability due to behaviors like ghosting.
In terms of sexual health, Dr. Treena critiques mainstream dating apps for lacking features that promote awareness and safety. Most platforms do not require or encourage sharing information such as STI status, sexual preferences, or consent practices. She suggests that incorporating user feedback could lead to more supportive environments where individuals feel safer and more informed. Nonetheless, she acknowledges societal barriers such as judgment and privacy concerns that complicate these efforts.
Beyond the digital space, Dr. Treena advocates for comprehensive, inclusive sex education from a young age. She argues that education should reflect the diversity of people’s experiences and focus not only on risks but also on consent, communication, pleasure, and emotional intelligence. Such education, she believes, would lead to healthier relationships and reduced social harm, fostering greater self-awareness and empowerment.
Dr. Treena also offers practical advice for navigating dating apps while maintaining mental and emotional well-being. She encourages users to set boundaries around app use, stay self-reflective, call out harmful behaviors, and explore alternative ways to meet people. Prioritizing mental health through strategies like mindfulness is also key to managing online dating pressures.
Looking ahead, Dr. Treena hopes for a cultural shift that normalizes open conversations about sexual health and respectful connections on dating platforms. She envisions dating apps incorporating education on consent and pleasure directly into their design and outreach. Aligning technological tools with inclusive education and personal accountability can foster a more respectful and empowering dating culture.
Navigating sexual health and relationships in the age of dating apps presents unique challenges but also opportunities for growth and empowerment. By fostering open conversations, promoting comprehensive education, and developing more mindful app features, one can create a dating culture that prioritizes well-being, consent, and meaningful connections.
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