A man who accumulated a staggering $10,000 in debt from using dating apps has shared his cautionary tale, imploring others to not fall into the same financial trap. On Reddit, under the pseudonym AnnoymousPenguin, he recounted his post-breakup journey into the world of online dating which began about 18 months ago. “For some context, I’m a 28-year-old man, I got out of a 5-year relationship where I was codependent on someone when this all began,” he shared.
Feeling isolated and eager for connection, he turned to dating apps. “I had no real friends as they were losers, and was lonely/desperate to make connections/afraid to be alone,” he elaborated.
Seeking solace in these digital platforms, he was drawn in by the allure of enhanced features that promised greater visibility and more matches. “These apps sold me on the bells and whistles of meeting someone and being successful/standing out, if I paid for the premiums,” he explained.
Unfortunately, the pursuit of love led to substantial financial consequences. “I’ll be honest it’s easy to get addicted and when you get matches it’s like a gambler who’s lost a bunch but gets one win and it keeps them going,” he admitted, revealing how he had racked up debts around $10,000.
Many dating apps offer basic services for free but reserve their most enticing features—like unlimited swipes, seeing who likes you before you swipe, and the ability to see when others are typing—for paid premium memberships.
Eventually, the financial burden became too heavy, and the Reddit user took out a personal loan to consolidate and settle his debts, which he has since paid off. “I haven’t been paying for anything on dating apps since while I pay it off,” he said. “Feels liberating, especially since then therapy and a lot of other major life choices helped me grow past this and use it as a learning experience.”
In his Reddit post, he warned others about the seductive nature of these premium options. “One thing you need to understand is these apps will dangle the membership as a way to get matches, and once you do it just increases your odds a bit,” he cautioned. “They’re meant to get you hooked and throw money into them because you’re desperate.”
I ended up with 10k worth of debt from dating apps, AMA
byu/AnnoymousPenguin inAMA
His story resonated with many users who shared their experiences and thoughts in the comments section. One user related, admitting to a $3,000 debt from a gaming app, while another suggested investing in oneself might be a better use of funds. A fortunate user shared a happier outcome, having met their spouse during a free trial period on a dating app. Others expressed surprise that his debt stemmed only from memberships and boosts, humorously noting how easy it is to rack up a similar debt from actual dates in today’s dating scene.
This tale serves as a stark reminder of the hidden costs of seeking love online and the importance of maintaining financial health amidst the pursuit of personal connections.