Two-thirds of users on the popular dating app Tinder are either married or already in a relationship, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking, surveyed nearly 1,400 current Tinder users aged 18 to 74 about their reasons for using the app and their experiences with it.
The study found that 65.3% of app users were married or in a relationship, indicating that a significant portion of individuals on Tinder are not single or available. Furthermore, only 50.3% of app users were actually interested in meeting people offline, underscoring the fact that many individuals use the app for entertainment or social connections rather than forming real-life connections.
The researchers suggest that for some users, dating apps have become a source of entertainment and validation, providing a confidence boost when they receive likes and matches. This can lead to a game of deception, where individuals who are not genuinely looking for love or intimacy continue to use the app, potentially leading to disappointment and frustration for those seeking genuine connections.
Study co-author Prof Germano Vera Cruz pointed out that this misuse of dating apps harms individuals who are genuinely hoping to find love or intimacy. She emphasized that some people feel deceived by the use of dating apps because the expectation of finding a partner is often unmet. Instead, people tend to move from one dating platform to another without finding satisfaction.
The study also highlighted that individuals who use dating apps as a means to cope with negative emotions or personal difficulties are more likely to be dissatisfied with their experiences. The authors suggest that these users should address the underlying problems or pathologies that may be driving their app usage in order to find more meaningful connections.
Co-author Dr Elias Aboujaoude mentioned that many of his patients have expressed the need to discontinue using dating apps after years of trying them out. He observed that excessive use of these apps for entertainment or distraction purposes can lead to a feeling of overwhelm and a belief that there are always better options available elsewhere.
The study indicated that satisfaction with dating apps and the resultant dates is strongly correlated with users’ age and their motivations for using the app. Whether someone is seeking true love, casual sexual partners, enhancement, emotional coping, or socialization can influence their level of contentment with the app.
It is important to note that while dating apps like Tinder offer opportunities to connect with new people, they are not a substitute for addressing personal issues or seeking genuine relationships. The study’s findings highlight the need for users to approach these platforms with a clear understanding of their own intentions and to use them responsibly.
In conclusion, the study reveals that a significant number of Tinder users are already in relationships, and only half of the users are genuinely interested in meeting people offline. This indicates that many individuals are using the app for entertainment or social purposes rather than actively seeking romantic connections. The misuse of dating apps as a game of deception can be detrimental to those hoping for true love or intimacy. By addressing underlying problems and using dating apps responsibly, users can increase their chances of forming meaningful connections.
