Rachel Feltman reflects on the evolution of online dating, noting how apps like OkCupid and Tinder have transformed the dating landscape from a niche activity to a mainstream method of finding partners. Initially, these platforms seemed to simplify the search for companionship, but over time, they have encouraged endless scrolling in pursuit of the perfect match, which may hinder the formation of lasting relationships. This shift inspired Sarah Pierce’s novel “For Human Use,” which imagines a dystopian future where a dating app matches users with dead bodies, highlighting the absurdity of optimizing human connection through technology. Pierce discusses with SciAm’s Bri Kane how current dating app trends influenced her novel, exploring the cultural implications of these digital fads.
QUESTION: How might the reliance on dating apps impact the way future generations form relationships?
What a novel about a dating app for dead bodies reveals about human connection
