That Swipe Life: Treena Orchard on Dating Apps Through a Midlife Anthropologist's Lens

Private Parts Unknown: Sex & Love Around the World

For the 178th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Treena Orchard, anthropologist and author of Sticky, Sexy, Sad: Swipe Culture and the Darker Side of Dating Apps.

In this episode, anthropologist Treena Orchard shares her experiences with online dating after turning 45 and offers insights into the complexities of modern "swipe culture." She discusses the unexpected interest from younger men, the vulnerability men face in shifting gender dynamics, the dark side of dating app gamification, and the upsides of tech involvement in our love lives. Orchard critiques popular platforms like the "feminist" dating app Bumble and highlights how dating apps commodify romance. Despite the challenges, she found meaningful connections and argues that in-person, activity-based dating may be the future of romance.

For more from today's guest, Treena Orchard:

• Follow Treena on Instagram @treenaorchard
• Check out Treena's website treenaorchard.com
• Buy Treena's book Sticky, Sexy, Sad: Swipe Culture and the Darker Side of Dating Apps

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