Let’s face it: dating apps were supposed to be the answer to all our problems. Swipe, match, chat—easy, right? Except now, years into the swiping revolution, most of us are over it. The endless scroll of “Hey, what’s up?” messages, ghosting after a decent convo, and the realization that half the profiles aren’t even active? It’s exhausting. Enter the latest twist: boyfriend applications.

Yes, you heard that right. Instead of endlessly swiping, people are now posting full-on job applications for love. Think questions like, “What’s your dream vacation?” or “Do you believe in sharing fries?” The idea is to weed out the time-wasters and find someone who’s actually serious. But before you start drafting your own form, let’s unpack this trend. Is it genius, or is it just the latest band-aid for our modern dating mess?

So, What’s the Deal with Boyfriend Applications?

The concept is simple: instead of scrolling through profiles on apps, you post an application form for potential partners to fill out. It’s all over TikTok right now, and some people swear it’s the antidote to dating app fatigue. Instead of shallow bios and cringey pick-up lines, you get detailed answers that (supposedly) show someone’s true personality. Think of it as turning dating into an episode of Shark Tank, where you’re the investor and love is your product.

Sounds cool, right? But let’s be real—are we solving a problem here, or just making dating even more complicated?

Why Are People Doing This?

Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Dating apps, once the shiny new way to find “the one,” have started feeling like a part-time job. A Pew Research study found that 67% of people using dating apps are frustrated by how impersonal and superficial they are. Swipe, ghost, repeat—it’s enough to make anyone want to log off for good.

Boyfriend applications, on the other hand, feel intentional. They scream, “I’m not here to waste time!” Plus, they’re kind of fun. You get to ask the questions you actually care about, like “Are you a dog or a cat person?” or “Do you clap when the plane lands?” (Important stuff, obviously.)

But here’s the thing: while they might be fun and fresh, are they actually better than what we’ve already got?

The Good, the Bad, and the Cringe

Let’s break it down.

What’s Great About Them:

1. Intentionality
   Boyfriend applications cut through the noise of vague conversations. No more endless chats where you’re left wondering, “What does this person even want?” Instead, the form lays it all out—expectations, deal-breakers, and must-haves. This upfront clarity saves time and ensures everyone is on the same page from the start. No games, no confusion, just a direct path to compatibility.

2. More Personality
   Let’s face it, dating app bios are a snooze-fest. A couple of emojis, a generic “I love to travel” line, and maybe a favorite quote? Not exactly groundbreaking. Boyfriend applications force people to think creatively and show their true personality through thoughtful answers. It’s not just about looks anymore—it’s about what makes someone tick, and that’s refreshing.

3. Control
   On dating apps, you’re just one profile in a sea of faces, hoping someone swipes the right way. With boyfriend applications, you’re the one setting the tone. You create the form, you decide the questions, and you get to choose who moves forward. It’s empowering, putting you firmly in the driver’s seat instead of waiting for matches that may never come.

But... Not So Great:

• It’s Still Performative
  Let’s not kid ourselves—people want to make a good impression. Just like on dating apps, applicants may tailor their answers to sound perfect rather than honest. Sure, they say they love dogs and hate pineapple on pizza, but are they just telling you what you want to hear? It’s hard to know if you’re getting the real person or just a curated version designed to win you over.

• Pressure Cooker
  For the applicants, this can feel like a high-stakes job interview—but for their love life. One poorly phrased answer could get them eliminated before they even have a chance to prove themselves in person. The pressure to “get it right” might discourage genuine people who aren’t great at selling themselves on paper, potentially leaving out amazing matches.

• Public Spectacle
  Posting these applications on social media adds a layer of performance that feels less about love and more about entertainment. When your love life becomes a public event, it’s easy for things to spiral into a popularity contest. Are you genuinely looking for connection, or just fishing for likes, comments, and shares? The public nature of the process can also make rejection sting even more—on both sides.

While boyfriend applications have their perks, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. They may improve intentionality and add a fun twist to dating, but they also come with their own set of challenges. The question is whether they bring us closer to authentic relationships or just add another layer to the ever-growing complexity of modern love.

Okay, So Is This the Future or Just Another Trend?

Honestly, it’s hard to say. On one hand, boyfriend applications are a creative way to shake things up in a dating world that feels increasingly stale. They let people take control and put their values and dealbreakers on the table from the get-go.

But on the other hand, they’re still a product of the same system we’re trying to escape. They don’t magically make dating easier or less awkward. If anything, they could make it more intense. Plus, the public nature of these forms adds a layer of pressure that could scare off even the most confident of daters.

So, are they the future? Maybe. Or maybe they’re just another trend that’ll disappear once everyone remembers dating is messy no matter how you approach it.

Do They Actually Solve a Problem?

Kind of. Boyfriend applications do tackle a big issue: the lack of intentionality in modern dating. They make people pause, reflect, and clarify what they’re truly looking for in a partner. That effort, even if small, is refreshing in a world of swipes and ghosting. Instead of vague bios and half-hearted messages, you get thought-out responses from someone who’s genuinely interested.

But here’s the catch—they don’t address the deeper issue: our obsession with “perfecting” love. Modern dating has become a game of optimization, where we try to eliminate risk, avoid heartbreak, and find someone who ticks every box. The problem is, love doesn’t work that way.

Here’s the truth: relationships aren’t built on perfect answers or compatibility quizzes. They’re about effort, emotional connection, and a whole lot of unpredictability. Chemistry isn’t something you can measure on a form, and love doesn’t care if your dealbreakers align or whether you both hate pineapple on pizza. It’s messy, awkward, and full of surprises—and that’s exactly what makes it worth it.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Instead of chasing the next big trend to fix dating, maybe it’s time to shift how we approach it altogether. Less pressure, more openness. Less obsessing over finding “the one” and more focus on enjoying the journey. If boyfriend applications sound like your thing, great—have fun with it! But don’t pin all your hopes on them. They’re just another tool in the ever-growing dating toolbox, not a magic wand.

At the end of the day, whether you’re swiping, applying, or hoping to meet someone IRL, there’s no foolproof formula for love. But if someone fills out your boyfriend application and manages to make you laugh with their answer to, “What’s the most ridiculous belief you’ve ever had?”—that might just be the spark you’ve been looking for. Sometimes, all it takes is a little humor and connection to get things started.