Online dating has drastically changed since its early days. Platforms like OKCupid used to prioritize compatibility and in-depth profiles, leading to more meaningful connections. However, today’s dating apps, including OKCupid, have become Tinder clones, focusing on superficial swiping. This trend of minimal user agency and low-quality content is seen not only in dating apps but also in other popular consumer software. Even Google Search has deteriorated in terms of usefulness. This decline is attributed to the “Tyranny of the Marginal User,” where companies prioritize gaining new users rather than enhancing the experience for existing ones. This results in a lack of creativity and agency in digital products.
https://nothinghuman.substack.com/p/the-tyranny-of-the-marginal-user