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Introducing the concept -

The concept of option paralysis was first discussed by psychologist Barry Schwartz in his 2004 book ‘The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less.’

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Defining the term - In a nutshell, option paralysis occurs when someone has so many options to choose from that they end up choosing none of the options at all.

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Online shopping -

There are many contexts in which option paralysis can be a problem. When online shopping, for example, you might feel overwhelmed by all the variations of the same product on offer and end up not buying something you really need.

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Career decisions -

In the context of career decisions, too, it is not uncommon for people to feel intimidated by the number of options and end up stagnating instead of deciding.

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In the context of online dating -

Option paralysis is a very real problem in the context of dating, particularly when it comes to the world of online dating via apps and sites.

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In theory -

In theory, the large number of available options when online dating should be a good thing, since it gives people more opportunities to find the perfect partner.

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Logical thinking -

Indeed, given there are so many things to consider when choosing a partner, you might be forgiven for thinking that when it comes to dating, the more options, the better.

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The reality -

In reality, however, studies show that having too many options to choose from is a bad thing when it comes to finding a partner online.

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Looking at the evidence -

In 2011, for example, there was a study published in Biology Letters that showed that people who were presented with multiple potential partners were less likely to make any decision at all.

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Results of the study -

In fact, the study showed that participants became so overwhelmed by the number of options that they failed to even narrow down their choices.

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How option paralysis manifests itself -

While option paralysis can happen in various real-life situations, it manifests itself in some quite specific ways in the online dating world.

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Endless scrolling -

For example, people affected by option paralysis when online dating may spend hours scrolling through the apps, without ever actually connecting with anyone.

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Reluctance to reach out -

It is also common for people with this problem to match with someone on a dating app and then never personally reach out or make contact with them.

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Reluctance to reach out -

Most of the time, this reluctance to strike up a conversation is because the person is not quite sure whether the match is the perfect person for them.

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Multiple first dates -

Option paralysis may also cause someone to go on first dates with multiple people, but never follow up with any of them, because they just can’t decide whom to pursue.

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Keeping options open -

And, finally, people with option paralysis tend to obsess about keeping their options open, because they are afraid that if they commit to one person, they’ll miss out on another.

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Consequences -

Option paralysis can be quite damaging if it goes undetected. In addition to preventing you from finding a partner, it can cause considerable anxiety and stress.

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Strategies for coping -

Thankfully, if you think you may be suffering from option paralysis in your dating life, there are some tactics you can use to help overcome the problem.

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Narrow your search -

The first, and perhaps most obvious, solution to this problem is to reduce the number of options available to you by narrowing your search.

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Narrow your search -

Next time you open your go-to dating app, try narrowing the search by defining criteria such as location, interests, or values.

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Set priorities -

Another top tip, and this goes for offline dating as well online, is to focus on setting priorities. Identify what are your nonnegotiables in a partner, and focus on finding someone who fits those criteria.

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Take breaks -

It can also help to take breaks from scrolling through the apps. As with anything in life, it is a good idea to step away every now and again, in order to clear your mind and gain perspective.

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Practice mindfulness -

Practicing mindfulness is also a good way to focus the mind on the task of building real connections with real people, rather than analyzing profiles.

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Streamline your apps -

You may also decide that it is more efficient to have an account on fewer apps.

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Streamline your apps -

Most of the time it is best to choose one or two apps that align closely with your values and goals, rather than spreading yourself too thin.

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Seek guidance -

If you are really struggling to navigate the world of online dating, you may decide to seek guidance from friends or family members who have had a successful experience.

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Keep perspective -

Ultimately, you may also decide that online dating is not for you, and if that’s the case, it’s important to remember that there are other ways to meet people.

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Life off the apps -

Try not to put all your energy into dating apps and remember that it is perfectly possible to meet someone in real life.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) 

See also: Is it possible to find love online? Researchers say it is

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