I commented some version of the stated theory when the original article was posted, and having read this post, I don't agree with the idea that "the same basic pattern applies to basically anyone who is trying to make money by doing anything", at least not the examples given.
Pizza restaurants want to sell pizzas and are incentivized to produce quality, affordable pizza so people come back regularly. Customers want pizza (every now and then) and will visit pizzerias that offer tasty pizza, made with quality ingredients, in a pleasant setting, at a reasonable price. Ergo, incentives are aligned.
Dating app users (generally) want to find a partner and leave the app, ideally never to come back. Dating apps make money when users fail to find partners and pay for features that "increase their chances". Now, incentives are unaligned.
Pizza restaurants want to sell pizzas and are incentivized to produce quality, affordable pizza so people come back regularly. Customers want pizza (every now and then) and will visit pizzerias that offer tasty pizza, made with quality ingredients, in a pleasant setting, at a reasonable price. Ergo, incentives are aligned.
Dating app users (generally) want to find a partner and leave the app, ideally never to come back. Dating apps make money when users fail to find partners and pay for features that "increase their chances". Now, incentives are unaligned.