When Virtual Love Turns into Real Pain

In  Bangladesh,  traditional  notions  of  love  and  relationships  ,  once  based  on  commitment ,  family  values ,  and  a  gradual  emotional  connection  ,  are  being  rapidly  transformed  by  the  impact  of  online  dating  apps .  Instant  chat  culture , quick swipes , and  easy  access  to  potential  partners  have  normalized  fleeting  ,  casual  relationships  among  young  people .  Superficial  attraction  often  replaces  emotional  depth  ,  and  the  sacredness  that  was  once  linked  to  romantic  bonds  is  disappearing .  This  shift  is  also  influencing  perceptions  of  sexuality ,  making  it  more  transactional  and  pleasure-oriented  than  emotionally  meaningful.     

It is projected that Bangladesh currently hosts 6.8 million dating app users and also with significant growth expected in the coming years .  This expansion is driven by increased smartphone usage and higher internet penetration rates , particularly among young people . The  rise  of  dating  app  uses  has  also  raised  concerns  about  user  safety . While  accurate  statistics  on  the  number  of  people  affected  are  scarce but  Reports  reveal  that  individuals  have  suffered  emotional  distress ,  social  stigma  ,  and  reputational  damage  due  to  deceptive  practices  on  these  platforms. Dating app use is most prevalent among people aged 18 to 24 , with men accounting for around 55 % and women accounting for nearly 44 % of users in this age group.

Dating  apps  have  seen  a  rapid  rise  in  popularity  among  Bangladeshi youth In recent  years , fueled  by  increased  access  to  smartphones  and  the  internet .  Platforms  such as Tinder ,  Bumble  ,  Tantan , and  local  apps  are  commonly  used  for  casual  interactions ,  friendships  ,  and  romantic  relationships  .  Unlike traditional matchmaking methods , these  apps  enable  instant  connections  that  transcend  social  and  cultural  boundaries  .  However ,  the  ease  of  virtual  dating  has  also  triggered  a  shift  in  behavior  among  young  people  ,  making  them  vulnerable  to  new  psychological ,  emotional  ,  and  social  weaknesses.

Personality degeneration refers   to  the  gradual  deterioration  of  an  individual's  positive  emotional  ,  moral  ,  and  social  qualities .  In   young  people ,  this  often  manifests  as  increased  selfishness  ,  impulsive  behavior  ,  emotional  instability  ,  and  a  lack  of  empathy .  Constant  exposure   to  superficial  interactions  on  dating  apps  can  impair  their  ability  to  form  deep  and  meaningful  relationships  .  Over  time,  this  leads  to  shallow  thinking  ,  poor  decision-making  ,  and  difficulty  handling  real-world  responsibilities  and  challenges.  

Virtual sexual gratification addiction happens when constant exposure to sexualized content on dating apps and social media creates a cycle of instant gratification and emotional dependence .  This repeated stimulation releases dopamine , reinforcing   compulsive  behaviors  and  the  desire  for  more  explicit  content  .  Over  time,  young  people  can  develop  poor  impulse  control  ,  a  distorted  perception  of  intimacy  ,  and  difficulty  forming  genuine  emotional  connections  ,  which  can  lead  to  emotional  emptiness  and  unhealthy  relationship  patterns.

Casual online interactions often prioritize quick connections over meaningful communication , leading to emotional detachment among  young  people  .  Constantly  engaging  in  superficial  conversations  hinders  the  ability  to  build  deep  emotional  connections  and  understand  others  '  feelings  .  Over  time  ,  this  weakens  empathy  ,  making  relationships  seem  disposable  and  of  lesser  importance .  As real emotional  engagement  diminishes ,  young  people  may  struggle  with  trust  ,  commitment  ,  and  the  ability  to  maintain  healthy  ,  supportive  relationships  in  real  life.

Dating apps  fake profiles and catfishing activities which place young people under severe emotional and psychological threats. Deceptive users fabricate fictitious personas to manipulate and exploit victims which results in emotional trauma along with feelings of betrayal and embarrassment. Prolonged interactions with such abuse foster a generalized sense of mistrust , accompanied by increased anxiety and aversion to authentic relationships . widespread mistrust , accompanied by increased anxiety and a rejection of genuine relational bonds . Victims ' experiences lead to a decrease in self - esteem accompanied by depression and social withdrawal , creating obstacles to restoring self - confidence and establishing future meaningful relationships.

Bangladesh lacks specific legislative measures to regulate online dating app usage. The ICT Act of 2006 along with the Digital Security Act of 2018 and the Cybersecurity Act of 2023 handle related offenses. These laws penalize online harassment , identity theft , and the dissemination of obscene content , with penalties ranging from 7 to 14 years imprisonment and fines of up to 10 lakh Taka . While the use of dating apps is not prohibited for young people , legal protections exist against abuse , and organizations like the Computer Crimes Support Bureau support victims while encouraging safe online practices.

Excessive use of online dating apps can seriously disrupt   academic  ,  professional  ,  and  family  life  .  Young  people frequently experience reduced concentration , poor academic performance , and missed career opportunities due to addiction and poor time management .  Constant  engagement in   virtual  relationships  can  lead  to  emotional  exhaustion  ,  leading  to  decreased  productivity  at  work  or  school .  Furthermore,  increased  secrecy  and  emotional  detachment  strain  family  ties  ,  erode  trust  ,  and  isolate  individuals  from  the  real-world  responsibilities  and  support  systems  essential  to  their  personal  growth.     

Growing threats related to the use   of  online  dating  apps ,  such  as  sextortion  ,  romance  traps  ,  and  blackmail  ,  are  becoming  increasingly  common  .  Criminals control their victims by obtaining essential information or explicit content for financial misuse or embarrassment . Many young people in  Bangladesh  have  fallen  prey  to  these  traps  ,  suffering  significant  emotional  and  social  consequences  .  These crimes highlight the imperative for greater digital awareness and stronger legal protections against online exploitation.

Boys and girls face distinct vulnerabilities on dating apps . Girls   are  often  more  at  risk  of  harassment  ,  exploitation  ,  and  social  stigma  if  exposed  ,  harming  their  reputation  and  mental  health .  At  the  same  time ,  boys   may  be  pressured  to  engage  in  aggressive  or  hypersexualized  behavior  to  gain  approval . Both sexes face unrealistic expectations and emotional stress , however , societal judgment is often harsher on women , fueling gender inequality and exacerbating emotional insecurity.

The media ,  education ,  and  parenting  are  key  players  in  guiding  young  people  toward  responsible  online  behavior . The media can raise   awareness  of  the  dangers  of  dating  apps  and  promote  positive  values  .  Schools and universities should implement digital literacy programs to teach   safe  online  practices . It is important that parents foster  open  communication  ,  educate  their  children  about  the  dangers  of  the  internet  ,  and  model  healthy  relationships  .  These  combined  influences  can  encourage  the  development  of  resilience  ,  critical  thinking  ,  and  safer  digital  use  in  young  people.

For building a balanced and responsible digital culture that fosters healthy relationships and safe internet use is essential  .  This requires a combined effort   of  education  ,  awareness  campaigns  ,  strict  cybersecurity  laws ,  and  supportive  family  environments  .  Promoting  critical  thinking  ,  emotional  intelligence ,  and  respectful  behavior  online  can  enable  young  people  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  technology  while  avoiding  its  risks  and  building  meaningful  connections  in  real  life.

 
MD. Noor Hamza Peash is
an LLB student in World 
University of Bangladesh, Dhaka.