This is how life feels when you are constantly seeking love through dating apps. On November 20, Kim Kardashian faced backlash after sharing a series of provocative photos featuring herself alongside a Tesla Optimus humanoid robot. Far from being just a futuristic stunt, the imagery reflects an emerging societal issue: the growing automating human relationships, whether in love, desire, or simple connections—mirroring the impersonal dynamics fostered by dating apps.
As the rise of dating apps has simplified interactions it also, conversely, has complicated the pursuit of true love. From spontaneous and romantic encounters to meticulously planned dates, there is no doubt that love has turned into a well-controlled, robotic exchange.
Love is often seen as something we are meant to discover by chance—a spark, a crush, or even love at first sight. But each new dating app gradually makes us forget the sweet dream of romance. This shift disrupts the natural flow of relationships, accelerating the process and forcing fate into an algorithmic mold.
The boundaries between humans and machines remain increasingly ambiguous, a theme that has captivated some of the greatest artists throughout history, as Fritz Lang in Metropolis. As well as fashion designers such as Thierry Mugler, whose iconic Autumn-Winter 1995 show, with the unforgettable « Cyborg » costume, had a profound impact on the fashion world.
In a world increasingly shaped by automated, robotic interactions, what does it mean for our ability to form authentic, lasting relationships ?
Practicing mindfulness in your dating app interactions
To safeguard your attention from the mindless routine of automatic swiping—without going as far as a complete digital detox—practicing digital mindfulness offers a thoughtful alternative. This approach promotes the intentional use of technology, whether it’s smartphones, tablets, or apps.
By engaging mindfully with these tools, you can transform technology into a source of empowerment rather than distraction. In this context, every swipe becomes a deliberate decision, paving the way for more meaningful, authentic social interactions that move beyond the dehumanizing nature of virtual exchanges.
While some dating app fanatics collect them like trading cards on their phones, often excited by the idea that a simple swipe can change everything, others are put off by their use, calling them a form of « cheating at life ». Which is it?
Jade Maurinier
Crédits photographiques : https://www.goodfon.com/rendering/wallpaper-cyborg-love-woman-machine-robot.html.