Dating Apps and Body Image
Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, people met their future spouses through friends, at parties, or after a prolonged period of staring awkwardly across a crowded room.
But now? Now, love is a multi-billion-dollar industry with algorithms, swipes, and a whole lot of existential crises.
With around 350 million people globally relying on dating apps and the industry raking in over $5 billion annually, we can confidently say that romance has been thoroughly monetized.
In Australia, for example, 49% of adults have used a dating app or website, while an additional 27% dipped their toes into the digital dating pool at some point.
And yet, in this brave new world of curated profiles and bio-optimized romance, something seems amiss.
Love in the Time of Swipes
Dating apps have undoubtedly connected millions, but the cost of finding "the one" might be more than just a monthly subscription fee.
A systematic review of 45 studies conducted mostly in Western countries—where romance is already a bit of a mess—found some troubling patterns. These studies investigated dating apps' effects on mental health, body image, and overall well-being. Spoiler alert: the news isn’t great.
Of these studies, 29 focused on mental health, while 22 zeroed in on body image. Some compared users to non-users, while others examined the impact of heavy versus light app usage.
The results? A staggering 85% of studies on body image (19 of 22) found significant negative relationships between dating app use and body satisfaction. Nearly half of the studies on mental health (14 of 29) documented increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among users.
So, what’s going on?
The Mirror on Your Screen
One theory—self-objectification—suggests that the overwhelming emphasis on physical appearance on dating apps leads users to judge themselves primarily by how they look rather than who they are.
When your romantic worth is determined by a split-second swipe, it’s not surprising that body dissatisfaction and self-criticism skyrocket. Some researchers (Rodgers et al., 2022) argue that dating apps intensify the pressures already present in broader social media culture, where "hotness" often trumps personality.
Then there’s rejection—both implicit (few matches, ghosting) and explicit (outright discrimination or insults).
A 2021 study by Strubel and Petrie found that rejection on dating apps can lead to a significant drop in self-esteem, especially for folks with preexisting insecurities. This rejection-based spiral can push users into cycles of compulsive swiping, hoping for validation that never quite arrives.
But, Wait! Contradictory Research Says…
Not everyone agrees that dating apps are all doom and gloom.
Some studies suggest these platforms can actually boost confidence and expand social circles, particularly for LGBTQ+ folks who may have limited opportunities for in-person dating (Timmermans & Courtois, 2018).
There’s also evidence that folks who engage in positive conversations on dating apps report increased self-esteem and social satisfaction (Ranzini & Lutz, 2017).
However, even within these positive narratives, the underlying problem remains: dating apps are not neutral.
They are designed to maximize engagement, which means keeping users on the app rather than leading them into stable, fulfilling relationships. As Finkel et al. (2012) put it, “the paradox of choice” means that endless swiping might actually make it harder to settle on a partner.
The Algorithm Won’t Save You
So, where does that leave us?
A world where developers fine-tune algorithms to maximize our romantic anxieties?
Perhaps. But there are solutions—if we care to look for them.
For one, dating app companies could rethink their interface.
Prioritizing personality-based profiles over image-first swiping could reduce the pressure of self-objectification.
Platforms could also enforce stricter moderation to curb abuse and discrimination. The Australian government has already taken a step in this direction with a code of conduct set to take effect on April 1, aiming to regulate online dating spaces and make them a little less dystopian. Smart move, mate.
And for the everyday user?
Consider stepping back from the endless swiping cycle.
Choose profile pictures that reflect your interests and personality rather than the most filtered version of your face.
Engage in meaningful conversations, and if an interaction makes you feel like garbage, report it and move on. Above all, take breaks—your self-worth is not determined by an algorithm’s idea of desirability.
Love Is Still a Human Problem
Dating apps may have changed the mechanics of courtship, but they haven't changed the fundamentals of human connection. If anything, they’ve made our age-old insecurities just a little more efficient. Whether that’s progress or not depends on how we navigate this brave new world of romance.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Finkel, E. J., Eastwick, P. W., Karney, B. R., Reis, H. T., & Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating: A critical analysis from the perspective of psychological science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(1), 3-66. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612436522
Ranzini, G., & Lutz, C. (2017). Love at first swipe? Explaining Tinder self-presentation and motives. Mobile Media & Communication, 5(1), 80-101. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050157916664559
Rodgers, R. F., DuBois, R. H., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2022). Dating apps, body image, and eating disorders: A systematic review. Body Image, 40, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.001
Strubel, J., & Petrie, T. A. (2021). Love me Tinder: Body image and psychosocial functioning among men and women. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(3), 689-711. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520947069
Timmermans, E., & Courtois, C. (2018). From swiping to casual sex and committed relationships: Exploring the experiences of Tinder users. The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(9), 1119-1139. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407517705129