Romance

Is "Dexting" The New Dating Trend You Should Be Cautious About?

Is "Dexting" The New Dating Trend You Should Be Cautious About?

Have you heard of 'dexting'? There's a new dating trend, and experts are warning about it.

In today's world of dating, there are many quirky labels for various situations. For example, if you're out with your partner but can't resist constantly checking your phone, you might be a 'phubber'—someone who can't part with their phone, even during quality time with their significant other.

Have you ever experienced someone from your past reappearing in your life? If so, you've been 'zombied'.

Advertisement

Now, there's 'dexting' to add to the list. Not sure what it means? Let me explain.

'Dexting' is when two people exchange text messages back and forth but never actually meet up in person. It's a blend of the words 'texting' and 'dating,' hence the term 'dexting.'

Amanda Bradford, a dating expert and the founder of The League dating app, coined the term 'dexting.' She spoke to Glamour Magazine, providing more insight into this new trend, saying: "It can make you feel like you are in a relationship, without having to actually do the work or spend the time required to actually form a true connection."

Advertisement

"In a way, it's also safer as you're less likely to get rejected if you don't put yourself out there in a real way, so these relationships can ultimately last longer than in real life ones, and it's comforting to have someone you can text vs being completely single."

Advertisement

What are the actual dangers of dexting? It can lead you to create a false impression of the person you're texting instead of truly getting to know them in real life.

Bradford explains, "The psychological impact is that accepting and engaging in this dexting behaviour can cause you to form an unhealthy attachment to the idea of someone, rather than that person themselves."

She further emphasizes that while texting can play a role in building and developing a relationship, it should not be the sole foundation of it.

Advertisement

If you feel like dexting is becoming excessive, Bradford suggests taking steps to limit your screen time. She recommends not spending hours glued to your screen before meeting the person.

Additionally, she advises making the text exchanges 'worthwhile' so that you and your new connection are on the same page.