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What should I do if I see my ex on a dating app?

Approximately 40% of people have reported running into an ex on a dating app, highlighting how common this scenario is in the digital dating landscape.

The phenomenon of dating apps has changed the way we perceive relationships and breakups.

Studies show that individuals often experience increased anxiety and stress when encountering an ex online.

Research indicates that social media and dating apps can create a form of "social surveillance." People are more likely to check their exes' profiles out of curiosity, which can lead to prolonged emotional distress.

The brain's reward system is activated when we receive notifications from dating apps, releasing dopamine.

Seeing an ex can trigger a complex mix of emotions, making it hard to resist the urge to engage with their profile.

According to psychological studies, the "mere exposure effect" suggests that repeated exposure to an ex's profile may lead to a desire to reconnect, even if the breakup was painful.

The breakup process often involves stages of grief, similar to those experienced in bereavement.

Encountering an ex can reignite feelings associated with these stages, including denial, anger, and acceptance.

Cognitive dissonance theory explains the discomfort we feel when our actions (like swiping on a dating app) contradict our beliefs (like wanting to move on from an ex).

This can complicate how we react upon seeing an ex.

Social comparison theory suggests that seeing an ex on a dating app may lead to feelings of inadequacy or jealousy, especially if they appear to be moving on successfully.

A study showed that individuals who engage with their exes on social media tend to have a harder time moving on, as it can lead to ruminating on past relationships.

The "Foot-in-the-Door" phenomenon in psychology explains how small interactions can lead to larger ones.

If you consider reaching out to your ex after seeing them, it’s important to reflect on the potential consequences.

Emotional contagion may occur when seeing an ex on a dating app; their displayed happiness can evoke feelings in you that may not align with your current emotional state.

The concept of the "illusion of transparency" suggests that people often overestimate how much others can read their emotions.

You might feel like your ex can sense your feelings after seeing them online, increasing anxiety.

Research shows that people often idealize past relationships, particularly when they are exposed to reminders, such as seeing an ex's profile, which can distort your perceptions of the relationship.

The "Zeigarnik effect" indicates that uncompleted tasks or unresolved feelings (like those associated with an ex) can lead to persistent thoughts.

This can be exacerbated by seeing them on a dating app.

Online dating platforms utilize algorithms that match users based on various criteria, meaning that if you see your ex, it could be due to shared interests or mutual friends, not just chance.

A study found that people who frequently check their ex's online profiles are more likely to experience negative emotions, suggesting a correlation between social media use and emotional well-being.

The "sunk cost fallacy" can play a role when you see an ex on a dating app.

You may feel compelled to reconnect because of the time and energy invested in the relationship, despite knowing it may not be in your best interest.

The phenomenon of "ghosting," where someone suddenly cuts off all communication, can complicate feelings when encountering an ex online, as unresolved questions may resurface.

Attachment theory outlines how our early relationships shape our adult romantic relationships.

Seeing an ex can trigger attachment-related insecurities that were predominant during the relationship.

Neuroplasticity suggests that our brains can change based on experiences.

Encountering an ex might reinvigorate old emotional pathways, but with time and reflection, it's possible to forge new, healthier thought patterns.

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