An increasing number of people seeking relationships are practising “emotional diversification” — the conscious distribution of emotional energy between several partners in order to maintain psychological balance and autonomy.
New research conducted by the Institute of Digital Sociology indicates a growing trend among users of dating apps. Rather than focusing on developing one intense relationship, people are investing time and emotions in several parallel interactions of varying depths. Users themselves call this approach an “emotional portfolio”, and it reduces the risks of burnout, disappointment, and loss of identity that often accompany the traditional model of searching for “the one”.
Diversification is becoming the norm
The transformation of dating strategies is driven by several key factors that are characteristic of the digital age.
- Digital choice overload: Dating apps create the illusion of endless possibilities. Paradoxically, however, this does not simplify decision-making, but rather complicates it. Research shows that users who view more than 10–15 profiles per session experience cognitive overload and emotional numbness. In response, a defence mechanism arises — the distribution of attention.
- Low-commitment culture: The modern culture of communication, shaped by social networks and instant messaging, encourages multiple, superficial connections. Extending this model to the romantic sphere seems natural. People value their emotional autonomy and fear “burning out” in intense but short-lived relationships.
- Pragmatic calculation and risk management: Following painful breakups or during periods of personal growth, individuals deliberately avoid becoming deeply immersed in one person. Investing emotionally in several partners allows them to soften the blow if one of the relationships ends. This is a strategy for achieving psychological security.
The structure of the “emotional portfolio”
Analysts have identified three levels of interaction that typically form a modern dater’s “portfolio”:
- “Anchor” relationships (one or two people): The most promising and meaningful contacts. These are people with whom there is regular, meaningful communication and planned meetings. Emotional investment here is maximal, yet still measured. The user consciously leaves an “emotional gap”, avoiding complete fusion.
- “Rotating” contacts (three to five people): A stage of active, yet more casual, flirting. Communication is sporadic, with less frequent meetings. These connections serve as a source of confidence, novelty and social practice without requiring significant emotional investment.
- “Peripheral” pool (unlimited): This is a large pool of numerous matches on apps, with whom correspondence is episodic and exploratory in nature. This layer serves as emotional support and confirmation of one’s own attractiveness.
Video chat has become a crucial tool for navigating such a complex web of relationships. The video communication options embedded in dating services are no longer exotic; they have become a working tool.
Video chat is an effective tool for managing one’s “portfolio”
Live video chat performs several critical functions in the new dating ecosystem.
- Quick verification and assessment of potential: A five-minute video call at https://coomeet.chat/flirtbees will replace weeks of uncertain correspondence. It enables you to instantly evaluate basic chemistry and authenticity, and determine whether to progress to a face-to-face meeting or keep them on the periphery of your “portfolio”.
- Emotional moderation: Video chat strikes a balance between impersonal text messaging and an intense offline meeting. It creates the illusion of closeness and personal contact while requiring less time, financial investment and emotion. It is the ideal format for maintaining “rotating” contacts.
- Reduced cognitive load: Maintaining multiple text conversations at the same time is tiring due to the “context switching” phenomenon. Short, scheduled video sessions structure communication, making it more efficient and less energy-intensive.
Platforms that were the first to implement video chat functionality skilfully have seen a 25–40% increase in user engagement. For many, this format acts as a filter, separating serious intentions from idle pastimes.
Consequences and future of the model
This shift has ambiguous consequences. On the one hand, it can lead to emotional superficiality, a consumerist attitude towards partners and chronic dissatisfaction (“missed opportunity syndrome” — the fear that there is someone better out there). On the other hand, it is an adaptive strategy that provides control over one’s life, protection from toxic relationships and an opportunity for self-discovery, free from the pressure of commitment.
Experts agree that the trend towards diversifying emotional investments is not temporary, but a new relationship-building paradigm shaped by the digital environment. The future probably belongs to hybrid models where tools such as video chat serve to facilitate the conscious and safe preliminary selection of deep connections rather than replace them. Rather than the ability to charm one person, the key skill of the modern dater is the competence to manage one’s attention and emotional resources effectively in an environment of abundant opportunities.
Dilawar Mughal is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. His works span various genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romance novels. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Sana Fatima weaves engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds.
