This is really a monumental societal change.
3rd spaces are nearly completely destroyed, and online seems to be the main option for ppl now.
Yeah those apps are predatory. Good call.
I'm praying for you there, friend. This is really sad seeing what's happening to human relationships. It's very INhuman.
The best thing you can do is be your best, genuine self, and go engage in what's left that other people do together. Meetups, volunteering, interests, hobbies, social book clubs, whatever.
Don't think about "dating" like "trying to score a wife." Be your very best self and find a person with a mutual interest in being very best friends forever with you, and then see if romance can bloom from there.
An innocent shared coffee laughing about favorite movies is WAY less pressure than some formal "date" where two strangers dance around awkwardly feeling each other out for "flags" and sidestepping "deal breakers".
That's my 2¢ anyway. I hope you find genuine connection. :)