Dating Apps and Their Relationship with Body Image and Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Dating apps have revolutionized modern relationships, making it easier than ever to connect with potential partners. However, a systematic review of dating app use and mental health has revealed troubling consequences. Research shows that dating app users are at a higher risk of experiencing body dissatisfaction, poor mental health, and negative impacts on self-esteem.
A comprehensive review has important implications for understanding the relationship between dating app use and self-perception. The association between dating app use and self-objectification has been a growing concern among researchers, particularly in conducted in Western regions where body image concerns are highly prevalent.
This article will explore the impacts of dating app use, how dating apps contribute to body image and mental health struggles, and what dating apps should be seeking to do in response.
1. The Appearance-Based Nature of Dating Apps Worsens Body Image
Most online dating platforms prioritize physical appearance over personality. When users swipe based on photos alone, they reinforce unnatural body ideals and the belief that appearance and body image are the most critical factors in attraction.
How Appearance-Focused Dating Apps Affect Self-Perception
Studies have found that men who use dating apps and women alike experience increased body dissatisfaction due to repeated body surveillance subscale behaviors, such as:
- Excessive photo editing and filtering to meet unrealistic beauty standards
- Comparing oneself to highly curated user profiles
- Experiencing body shame when matches are not received
- Developing disordered eating behaviors due to heightened focus on body shape
A systematic review found that body image and dating app use are closely linked, as dating app use was significantly correlated with increased body dissatisfaction.
Effects of Appearance-Based Swiping on Body Image
| Effect | Impact on Users |
| Increased body dissatisfaction | Higher self-objectification and comparison |
| Greater body shame | Users feel their worth is tied to appearance |
| Unhealthy focus on physical appearance | This leads to negative mental health and wellbeing outcomes |
| Reinforced unnatural body ideals | Encourages excessive filtering and editing |
2. Dating Apps Can Be Addictive and Harm Mental Health
Many mobile dating apps for men and women are designed to be addictive. The nature of dating apps creates a cycle of dopamine-driven behavior, where users seek validation through matches and swipes.
The Psychological Toll of Constant Swiping
A present systematic review found that dating app use on mental health is linked to:
- Compulsive swiping behavior, similar to gambling addiction
- Anxiety and stress from waiting for responses
- Poorer mental health due to a lack of genuine connections
- Increased loneliness despite frequent social interaction via dating apps
Additionally, dating app use predicted higher levels of depression and low self-esteem among users and non-users of dating apps, with non-users of dating apps reporting less body dissatisfaction overall.
3. Rejection and Ghosting Have Long Term Mental Health Effects
Why Dating Apps Expose Users to Constant Rejection
Unlike traditional dating, where rejection is personal and direct, dating app users often face repeated, impersonal rejection:
- Lack of matches can create self-doubt and body image concerns
- Ghosting and breadcrumbing cause emotional distress and poorer mental health
- Dating app use and unhealthy attachment behaviors lead to chronic anxiety and self-esteem issues
Studies included in the review found that the relationship between dating app use and rejection-related distress is stronger for individuals with pre-existing mental health and wellbeing concerns.
4. Body Image and Dating App Use Are Strongly Connected
Why Dating App Users Are More Likely to Experience Body Dissatisfaction
A systematic review found that relationships were reported between dating app use and body dissatisfaction, particularly among men who use dating apps.
The objectified body consciousness scale revealed that dating app use was positively correlated with increased body surveillance subscale behaviors, including:
- Obsession with body size and shape
- Negative self-perception toward their own appearance
- Constant comparisons to other users
The impacts of dating app use on self-esteem extend beyond body image—it influences mental health and wellbeing outcomes, contributing to higher levels of depression and anxiety.
5. Disordered Eating and Unhealthy Behaviors Are Rising Among Dating App Users
Examining the Relationship Between Dating App Use and Disordered Eating
Many studies included in the review have found that dating app use and unhealthy dieting habits are closely linked. Among the primary concerns:
- Users who experience rejection are more likely to adopt extreme dieting habits
- Appearance-based swiping leads to increased body dysmorphia
- Dating app-facilitated sexual violence can exacerbate eating disorders in vulnerable individuals
A body of evidence has revealed that dating apps are becoming increasingly problematic for those with pre-existing body image concerns.
6. Discrimination and Abuse on Dating Apps Worsen Mental Health
The Need for Increased Moderation of Discrimination and Abuse
Many online dating platforms fail to protect users from body shaming, racial bias, and sexual harassment.
A review has important implications for how developers of dating apps should be addressing:
- Moderation of discrimination and abuse to create safer environments
- Increasing the moderation of discrimination by using AI to flag harmful messages
- Efforts to safeguard population’s body image by reducing the emphasis on physical appearance
Dating apps should be seeking ways to implement safer user experiences while protecting mental health and wellbeing concerns.
7. How to Protect Yourself from the Negative Impacts of Dating App Use
Strategies to Maintain Mental Health While Using Dating Apps
To counteract the negative impacts of dating app usage, consider the following:
– Limit time on dating apps – Avoid excessive swiping and take breaks.
– Choose profile pictures that reflect personality, not just looks.
– Don’t take rejection personally – Algorithms do not define self-worth.
– Prioritize in-person connections – Online dating should supplement, not replace, real-world interactions.
– Seek professional help if needed – Therapy can help with body image concerns and self-esteem issues.
Conclusion – The Real Impact of Dating Apps on Body Image and Mental Health
While dating apps provide convenience, their effects on body image and mental health cannot be ignored. The focus on physical appearance, constant rejection, and addictive design can lead to body dissatisfaction, poorer mental health, and low self-esteem.
To ensure dating apps foster healthier experiences, developers of dating apps must prioritize safeguarding population’s body image while users take proactive steps to protect their mental well-being.
