A new study suggests that people who use the dating app Tinder tend to have a poorer self-image than those who do not. Psychologists from the University of North Texas surveyed over 1,300 participants, mostly university students, about their use of the app and their psychological wellbeing.
The findings, presented at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting in Denver, indicate that both men and women who use Tinder are less satisfied with their bodies and appearance. However, only male users reported lower levels of self-esteem compared to non-users.
Lead researcher Dr. Jessica Strubel said that the app's design, which encourages rapid swiping through potential matches, can make users feel 'depersonalised and disposable'. She noted that active involvement with Tinder was linked to body dissatisfaction, body shame, and a tendency to compare oneself physically to others.
While the study focused primarily on women, the researchers emphasised that men were equally, if not more, negatively affected. Dr. Strubel called for more research into the long-term psychological effects of social media platforms like Tinder, adding that current body image interventions should also target men.
