Dating Unplugged: How to Digitally Detox your Love Life

In an age dominated by the incessant glow of screens, the struggle for genuine connections is real. While the convenience of technology has undoubtedly transformed the dating landscape, by enabling meaningful connections that aren’t limited by geographical boundaries, it has also introduced some challenges. Our screens, which on the one hand bring us closer together, often become a barrier to authentic relationships as we hide behind them, choosing virtual exchanges over the vulnerability of face-to-face interactions.

Thankfully Bumble does everything it can to make online interactions full of compassion, empathy, kindness and humanity. Safety and comfort come first and space is created for everybody to feel seen as their authentic selves. 

Despite this, there are countless benefits to powering off completely, or taking a break from devices. It can make for stronger connections with someone else, or with yourself. This is the philosophy behind Bumble’s Snooze Mode feature, which we’ll be looking at in more depth later in this article as we explore the impact of unplugging, not just on our dating lives, but on our mental health as a whole. Oh, and if you’re wondering what kind of dates are conducive to a digital detox, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered on that front too!

As tempting as it is sometimes to lock all your devices in a box and throw away the key, a digital detox is not a complete abandonment of technology. It’s more of a strategic and intentional break from its constant grasp. 

It involves carving out dedicated periods of time where screens take a backseat, allowing for genuine, unfiltered engagement with the present moment. This practice can be a really good reset if you’re feeling overwhelmed, particularly in the realm of dating and relationships.

If you are seeing someone, whether it’s been two weeks or two years, consider scheduling ‘tech-free hours’ during which you both consciously disconnect from devices, allowing the relationship to flourish in an environment free from digital distractions. This act of unplugging works as a kind of refresh button, fostering a deeper connection.

First things first, establish some boundaries:

Clearly define times during the day when you both commit to being device-free. This might include mealtimes, intimate moments, or designated ‘unplugged’ evenings.

Use technology to set reminders for these boundaries, encouraging accountability.

Next, you might consider creating some tech-free zones. Create physical spaces where the intrusion of screens is discouraged. Bedrooms, dining tables, and cozy corners can be sanctuaries for uninterrupted, face-to-face communication.

And most importantly, unplug before bed. Some people find that the blue light of the screen and frenetic pace of scrolling—not to mention the nature of the content being consumed—make it hard to relax and drift off to sleep. 

So, allocate at least 30 minutes before sleep for screen-free winding down time. Engage in calming activities such as reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or having a quiet conversation with a flatmate or partner.

You can use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on smartphones to minimize disturbances during these crucial pre-sleep moments.

So you’re feeling ready to spend some one-on-one time together without the intrusion of technology. Maybe you’ve even been so bold as to leave your phone at home (don’t forget to bring a wallet and write important phone numbers down in case of emergencies). 

The most obviously restorative date idea is to set off on a nature retreat. Plan a day trip to a scenic location, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether it's a hike in the mountains, a stroll through a botanical garden, or a lakeside picnic, the absence of screens allows for a deeper connection with nature and each other.

If you do take your phones, consider turning off location services for the day to minimize the digital footprint and immerse yourselves fully in the experience. It’ll also be a fun test of your compatibility to see how well you can navigate without GPS!

Some people don’t actually find peace and quiet all that relaxing. They prefer to throw themselves into an activity to truly be present and test their focus. If this is the case, you can’t go wrong with a cooking class, where you’ll be focusing on preparing a shared meal. The hands-on nature of cooking fosters teamwork and communication, providing an ideal environment for meaningful conversation.

The challenge will be resisting the urge to document every step for social media. Especially when your culinary creation looks that good! Instead, savor the moment and the flavors without the pressure of external validation. You can always take photos on a film or analog camera for the memories, and share on social media at a later date. 

If action adventure is more your thing, rock climbing at an indoor climbing center, or with a skilled and experienced guide out on the mountains is guaranteed to have you not missing your phone for a minute.

Another way to test your phone-free resolve on a date is to attend a gig, art gallery opening, or play together without any screen time. You’ll be itching to record the fun, but try just enjoying yourself and connecting with your date instead of your followers. These cultural experiences offer ample opportunities for conversation, shared reflections, and the creation of lasting memories.

To do this, you’ll need to prioritize being fully present—put away the camera, silence notifications, and allow yourselves to be immersed.

If going cold turkey with tech fills you with dread, you could impose a no photo rule instead. This way, you’re being encouraged to stay in the moment on a date rather than snap a version of the moment that you’ll reflect on later. 

Stargazing is a great activity to experiment with this idea, as you can never capture the beauty of the universe through a lens in the way you can through your own eyes. Find a quiet spot away from city lights. Bring a telescope or just lay back and enjoy the night sky. You’ll find that the infinite expanse above you encourages all sorts of deep and meaningful conversations. 

Establish a "phone basket" at the beginning of the date. Both of you could place your devices in the basket, signaling a commitment to being fully present. This rule extends to not only calls and messages, but also social media and other distracting apps.

Embrace the art of meaningful conversation. Pose open-ended questions that invite thoughtful responses, fostering a deeper understanding of each other. Maintain eye contact and body language that communicates attentiveness and genuine interest.

Practice mindfulness throughout the date. Savor the flavors of the food, appreciate the nuances of the art, take in the beauty of the view (or of each other!) and relish the shared experience.

If the urge to check your phone arises, pause and reflect on the significance of the moment at hand, reinforcing your commitment to the digital detox.

Bumble Snooze Mode is a valuable tool for those seeking a respite from the digital dating scene without sacrificing potential connections. This feature allows users to take a temporary break from the app without losing matches or conversations. By activating Snooze Mode, you can focus on personal well-being and engage in real-life experiences without the pressure of constant digital interaction.

For instance, someone about to embark on a digital detox might hit Bumble Snooze Mode to create a space for self-reflection and personal growth. This intentional break from the digital dating world allows for a recalibration of priorities, paving the way for more meaningful connections when ready to re-enter the sphere of online dating.

Bumble created Snooze Mode to ensure you can take time away from swiping when you need it, and pick up right from where you left off when you’re ready. Activating Snooze Mode pauses your Bumble or Bumble For Friends account, without deleting any of your information or losing any of your existing connections and conversations. It hides your profile from other daters until you’re ready to start swiping again. You can even continue chatting with your existing matches while taking a break from making new matches. 

To turn on Snooze Mode, open the app and click on the grey silhouette in the bottom left corner. Then locate the Settings button in the upper right corner and tap ‘Snooze’. From there, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to snooze for 24 hours, 72 hours, a week, or indefinitely. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to set an away message (options include: “I’m traveling,” “I’m focused on work,” “I’m on a digital detox,” and “I’m prioritizing me”) to let any existing matches know you won’t be active on Bumble or Bumble For Friends. But that last part is completely optional—you don’t have to set an away status, and none of your matches will know you’re on Snooze Mode unless you tell them. If you decide to wake up from your Snooze Mode sooner than the timeframe you chose, return to Settings and tap ‘Deactivate snooze mode’. It’s as easy as that.

Recognising the need for a digital detox when dating is a crucial step toward fostering authentic and enduring relationships. It’s all about striking a balance that prioritizes genuine connection over virtual validation. 

Maybe you power off with your date and enjoy some quality time together tech-free. Or maybe you take some time away from dating to focus on yourself, knowing that thanks to Snooze Mode, you’ll be able to hop back on to the app whenever you’re ready. 

In essence, technology is a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness lies in how we choose to wield it. By incorporating intentional digital detox practices into our dating lives, we can create the space needed for authentic connections to flourish, unencumbered by the digital noise that often accompanies online dating. So, let's unplug, step into the real world, and rediscover the richness of human connection—one screen-free moment at a time.