Opting Out: The Rise of Female Independence and the Decline of Dating Apps

One of my fave things to do with AI is take a BUNNNNNCH of disparate things I see, hear, vaguely am aware of, and smoosh them all together (correlation doesn't equal causation? not in MY mind palace.) Anyway, I saw the 4B movement referenced on a reel, then heard about the Bumbl controversy on, well everywhere, then checked my stock portfolio (I have both Bumble and Match), compared it to what I was hearing a lot of from single women, and of course, while ALLLLLL this was happening, Man v Bear 2024 was in full flux. So here you go.

The 4B Movement: South Korean Women Take a Stand

In South Korea, a growing number of women are making a bold statement against deep-seated misogyny through the 4B Movement. This movement, short for "Four Nos," stands for No Dating, No Sex, No Marriage, and No Childbirth and honey, it’s not just a lifestyle choice but a full-blown rebellion against deeply entrenched gender norms. Women are rejecting traditional societal expectations and prioritizing their own well-being and independence over conforming to antiquated gender roles. It’s a collective rebellion against a society that often undervalues and disrespects them.

Opting Out: Because We Can

A similar trend is taking hold here in the United States. Women are increasingly abandoning dating apps and embracing singlehood by choice. Scientific studies back this up, showing that while marriage tends to benefit men in numerous ways—improving their health, wealth, and happiness—it often has the opposite effect on women, who face unequal domestic responsibilities and emotional labor. These findings have empowered more women to opt out of the dating scene altogether, seeking fulfillment and happiness on their own terms. Why stick around for domestic drudgery when you can bask in the glory of living your best single life?

Man Versus Bear: Entitlement in Modern Dating

The "Man versus Bear" debate is a symbolic reflection of a growing entitlement among some men who feel they deserve relationships merely by existing. This mentality is fueled by hyper-masculine figures (see below)? who preach that men are inherently deserving of respect and relationships without putting in mutual effort or respect. This rhetoric not only perpetuates misogyny but also sets unrealistic expectations for young men entering the dating scene. These discussions highlight a growing sentiment among some men who feel entitled to relationships simply by virtue of their existence. This, in turn, fosters a sense of entitlement and superiority, which can be detrimental to genuine relationship building.

The Influence of Andrew Tate and Similar Figures

Andrew Tate’s message of hyper-masculine entitlement has gained traction among many young men, teaching them that they deserve dominance in relationships. Andrew Tate, a controversial figure known for his provocative statements and lifestyle, has gained a substantial following by advocating for a hyper-masculine, entitlement-driven approach to dating and relationships. His message often centers on the idea that men should dominate in relationships and that their value is inherent rather than earned. This ideology not only perpetuates misogyny but also sets unrealistic and unhealthy expectations for young men entering the dating scene.

The Response from Financially Independent Women

Erm…it’s not going well to say the least…Women, increasingly financially independent and self-sufficient, are opting out of dating entirely rather than engaging with partners who don't meet their standards for equality. This independence is reshaping the dating landscape as more women choose self-fulfillment over unsatisfactory relationships.

The rise of financially independent women who prioritize their own well-being over conforming to traditional relationship norms is reshaping the dating landscape.

The Impact on the Dating Scene

The clash between these two perspectives—entitled men and independent women—creates a significant rift in the modern dating scene. On one hand, we have a cohort of men, influenced by the increasingly powerful and dangerous “manosphere,” who believe that relationships are a right rather than a partnership built on mutual respect and effort. On the other hand, there are women who no longer feel the need to compromise their standards or independence for the sake of a relationship. This divide is contributing to the broader trend of women opting out of dating apps and traditional dating avenues, leading to further declines in the financial performance of companies like Match Group and Bumble.

The Decline of Dating App Stocks

Since 2020, major dating app companies like Match Group and Bumble have seen a noticeable decline in their stock performance. This downturn is partly due to the rising awareness among women about the inequalities in many relationships and their increasing unwillingness to settle for anything less than equality and respect.?

Drawing Parallels: Financial Health and Social Awareness

The correlation between the declining stock values of dating app companies and the growing movement among women to reject unsatisfactory relationships highlights a significant social shift. Women are increasingly demanding more from their relationships, and many are unwilling to participate in dating unless their expectations for respect, equality, and fulfillment are met. This change is not only affecting individual lives but also has broader economic implications, particularly for industries centered around dating and relationships. Here's a brief overview of the stock performance of some major dating apps:

1. Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH)
2. Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ: BMBL)
3. Tinder (owned by Match Group)
4. OkCupid (owned by Match Group)
5. Hinge (owned by Match Group)
6. Grindr Inc. (NYSE: GRND)

Dating apps are quaking, stocks are nosediving, and the message couldn’t be clearer: our priorities have shifted, and so should everyone else's.

Bumble’s Marketing Misstep: Opting Out Isn't an Option?

Okay, also sidebar…In a perplexing move, Bumble recently launched a billboard campaign with the slogan "Opting Out Isn’t an Option." The backlash was swift, with many seeing the message as a contradiction to Bumble’s core mission of female empowerment and autonomy. Critics argue that the campaign undermines the very independence Bumble claims to support, particularly at a time when more women are prioritizing their own well-being over societal expectations.

The controversy is even more striking given that Bumble's CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, has been a vocal advocate for women's empowerment. Under her leadership, Bumble has positioned itself as a platform that encourages women to take control of their dating lives. This is a stark departure from that ethos.

Many took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, highlighting the disconnect between the campaign's message and the current social climate. The backlash underscores the complexity of marketing messages when consumers are highly attuned to issues of gender equality and personal autonomy.

This marketing misstep has potential implications for Bumble’s brand image and user base. As more women become financially independent and capable of supporting themselves, they are increasingly unwilling to compromise on their relationship standards.?

A Global Movement Toward Equality and Empowerment

Bottom line? Women are rejecting societal pressures and choosing independence, reshaping the dating landscape, and challenging traditional norms. As dating app companies struggle to adapt to these changes, it's clear that the demand for genuine equality and respect in relationships is here to stay.

This shift is a powerful reminder of the changing dynamics in relationships and the growing demand for genuine equality and respect in both personal and societal spheres. As these movements continue to gain traction, they challenge not only cultural norms but also the economic structures that have long profited from traditional gender roles and expectations.

So, to all the ladies out there setting their own standards and prioritizing their happiness, cheers. And to the companies and individuals still trying to figure out this new world order, maybe it’s time to listen to the women who are leading the charge.?

Why settle for bad dates and emotional labor when self-sufficiency is just so damn satisfying? The ripple effect is vast—from individual autonomy to electoral ballots. For those still living under a rock, women make up more than half the population. Our economic decisions are a seismic force, capable of moving markets and swaying elections.?