In the realm of digital dating, the landscape has dramatically transformed over the past decade. This transformation has been significantly influenced by the emergence of high-end dating apps, a phenomenon that has revolutionized the way individuals seek and establish romantic relationships. But what exactly constitutes a high-end dating app and how does it function?

High-end dating apps, also known as elite or exclusive dating apps, cater specifically to a niche segment of the population. They primarily target successful, affluent, and generally high-status individuals who are looking for meaningful and long-term relationships. The underpinning principle of these platforms is to amalgamate individuals who share similar socio-economic status, lifestyle, and values. In essence, they are an epitome of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction, wherein societal structures tend to perpetuate themselves.

The key distinguishing factor of high-end dating apps lies in their rigorous screening and membership processes. Unlike mainstream dating apps, these platforms do not offer immediate access to the masses. Instead, they deploy a stringent vetting procedure, which can range from requiring users to link their LinkedIn profiles as a means of verifying their professional status (in the case of The League), to using an algorithmic system that grades applicants based on their 'attractiveness' and referrals by existing members (used by Beautiful People). Some platforms, like Raya, even have anonymous committees that decide on an applicant’s admission based on their Instagram influence and referrals by existing users.

This brings us to the question: how do these high-end dating apps function? Most operate on the freemium model, wherein basic features are available for free, but users need to pay to access premium features. For instance, The League offers a 'Guest' membership for free, but users can upgrade to 'Member' or 'Owner' status to access features such as expedited review and VIP passes for friends. The freemium model, rooted in the law of demand, implies that as the price of a service increases, the quantity demanded decreases, thereby creating a sense of exclusivity and luxury.

Moreover, most high-end dating apps use advanced algorithms to match users. These algorithms are designed using elements of machine learning and are often based on the Gale-Shapley algorithm, a solution concept in game theory that is most famously used to solve the stable marriage problem. In this context, the apps use the algorithm to ensure a stable matching between two groups of users based on their preferences, ensuring a high level of compatibility among matched users.

Now, the question arises, why would individuals opt for high-end dating apps when there are countless mainstream dating apps available? The answer lies in the perceived benefits that these apps promise - exclusivity, privacy, and higher chances of meeting compatible individuals. Furthermore, these apps cater to a demographic that often has little time to waste on mismatches and are willing to pay a premium for a more efficient and focused dating process.

However, it is important to note that high-end dating apps are not without their share of criticisms. They have been accused of promoting elitism, classism, and even racism, by implicitly encouraging homogamy among users. Despite these criticisms, the demand for these apps continues to rise, a testament to Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption where individuals, particularly from higher socio-economic classes, seek to demonstrate their wealth and status.

In conclusion, high-end dating apps represent a fascinating intersection of technology, socio-economics, and human psychology. They demonstrate how digital platforms can adapt to cater to niche markets and how our socio-economic status and lifestyle can influence our choice of partner. As our society continues to evolve and technology becomes further ingrained in our daily lives, it will be interesting to witness the future trajectory of high-end dating apps.