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Has Political Polarization Invaded Dating Apps?
Looking to date? Polarization is at an all-time high, increasing the importance of political affiliation in potential mates. Before you swipe left, however, remember that labels do not always predict beliefs or values.
While we are more sensitive to problems with labels — perhaps now more than ever —we are more likely to react emotionally based on bias, stereotypes and experinces. The increasingly contentious and politicized environment can’t help but change how we react to labels and how we publicly align with issues, especially when it comes to seeking relationships.
When issues lose their complexity and become binary and emotional, it changes the meaning and impact of a potential partner’s political affiliation. In this climate, we broadcast and align as much for reassurance and affiliation as anything else.
OkCupid saw a 187% uptick in mentions of political affiliation from 2017–2018 alone. Yet we know that assuming a belief system based on any label, political or otherwise, is not always reliable. When it comes to romantic partners, is it worth the risk to find out or are we content to further perpetuate stereotypes?
It’s hard to make this trade-off when political labels can trigger such violent emotions especially when we’re already worn out by six months of social distancing and…
