The rise of online dating apps has transformed how individuals connect and seek companionship, with an increase in usage among older adults. While these platforms offer opportunities for emotional support and social connection, they also present significant challenges, including a concerning trend of online dating scams targeting this demographic.
Initially, we conducted a pre-screening survey, followed by focused semi-structured interviews with 11 11 11 11 of the selected older adults. Our findings reveal challenges such as deceptive practices, including catfishing and fraud, concerns over disclosing sensitive information, non-inclusive app design features, and the need for more informative visualization of match requests. We offer recommendations for enhanced identity verification, inclusive privacy controls by app developers, and increased digital literacy efforts to enable older adults to navigate these platforms safely and confidently.
These virtual spaces have become crucial for providing emotional support and connection, particularly during the COVID pandemic, which has exacerbated social isolation and loneliness [ 5 , 22 , 20 ].
Online dating apps streamline the matchmaking process and simplify the search for potential matches. For many users, these platforms bring companionship, emotional sustenance, and a renewed sense of belonging [ 50 , 28 ].
The widespread use of such technology in daily life has transformed how relationships begin and develop in the modern era [ 19 ]. These apps have also shown to be particularly appealing for divorced individuals or those widowed later in life seeking new relationships [ 40 ] thus often alluring older adults.
