In my opinion, yes and no. With dating apps it's only as soul crushing as you let it be. If the person online is not interested, s/he just ignores your message. A rejection in real life, on the other hand, can really sting. Multiple rejections can turn you off trying for good. And they are likely to happen, before you meet someone with whom you hit it off.

I highly recommend trying dating apps, especially if you're not a social butterfly. Just don't take it personally when you get no reply. And be patient, it'll probably take a while to find a good match (just like it would IRL).