Understand the incentive model.

Dating apps are like every other app - they make money by keeping users engaged and using the app. If you find a good relationship, you don’t need the dating app anymore, and they lose two users.

People who have success on these apps do so in spite of the app.

You can still use the app to meet people who are also looking to date, but don’t expect the app to help you do it. In fact, expect the app to get in your way and mislead you. Take any advice the app gives you about who is a good match (or a bad match) for you with several large grains of salt.