Why do dating apps feel so judgmental - and can anonymity make dating more real?

I’ve always felt that most dating apps are focused too much on looks and too little on who people actually are.

After talking to friends and looking at stats (70%+ of men and 80%+ of women feel conscious about their appearance), I realized the real issue isn’t matching — it’s the anxiety of being seen and judged.

That’s what inspired us to build Anchor, an anonymous dating app where you connect first through conversation and vibes, not photos.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Do you think removing photos could make dating more honest?

• Or do visuals always matter in initial attraction?

Curious to hear what you think — both as users and as makers who’ve seen how tech shapes human behaviour.