Dating apps are a con and the sooner we all realise the better

So i've had sporadic success with dating apps in the past and gotten into one relationship due to them however the majority of the time i've used them it leads to wasted time, ghosting etc. Recently i conducted an experiment and made myself new profiles on Bumble and Hinge. I used to get many matches and yet in the last couple of years it's dropped dramatically effecting my chance to meet people and damaging my self esteem in the process. Essentially a lose lose situation. So back to the new profiles, suddenly i'm getting likes and matches galore. My profiles are essentially the same just without the very obviously biased algorithm that was dragging it down. I'm sick and tired of having these companies dictate my worth, i genuinely think it's hurt us all much more than any positives we've gained. I've lost count at how many people i've met or articles i've read speaking about how burnt out everyone is. It's obvious i've been bumped up in the hierarchy due to being a new member and no other reason. of course one of these profiles has now led to one of my original profiles being banned. Well there goes my potential to meet people. Still, it tells a lot. I really think we need to drop these apps and get out there in the world again. They just want our money, our data and don't have our best interests at heart.