Dating Apps’ Popularity Soars but May Harm Body Image and Mental Wellbeing, New Review Finds

Adelaide, Feb 3 (The Conversation) –

Dating apps have revolutionized the way people connect, boasting a global user base of around 350 million and an annual revenue exceeding USD 5 billion. In Australia alone, nearly half of all adults (49%) currently use at least one dating app or website, with an additional 27% having used them in the past.

While these platforms undoubtedly help many find companionship, recent research indicates a darker side. A systematic review of 45 studies revealed potential links between dating app use and poorer body image, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

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A Comprehensive Look at the Research​

In this review, researchers examined how dating app usage relates to body image, mental health, and wellbeing. They focused on 45 separate studies—most published from 2020 onward—conducted largely in Western nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

• Body Image Focus: Out of the 22 studies that investigated body image, 19 found a significant negative relationship between dating app use and perceptions of one’s appearance.
• Mental Health Impact: Of the 29 studies exploring mental health and wellbeing, 14 reported negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem.

It is important to note that nearly all of these studies were cross-sectional. As a result, it remains unclear whether dating apps directly cause these issues over time, or if pre-existing challenges—like poor self-image or mental health—may increase a person’s likelihood of turning to dating apps.

Additionally, most participants were white and from Western regions, suggesting the need for more diverse research to better understand how dating apps affect people worldwide.

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Why Dating Apps May Affect Body Image and Mental Health​

Dating apps heavily emphasize images, encouraging users to evaluate potential matches primarily on physical appearance. This image-centric approach can fuel self-objectification—where individuals focus more on how they look than on who they are. In turn, this may heighten body dissatisfaction, body shame, or disordered eating patterns.

Rejection can further undermine wellbeing. A lack of matches or discriminatory comments can trigger anxiety or depression, with users sometimes attributing negative feedback to their appearance. Moreover, the game-like nature of endless swiping may keep individuals online even when it harms their self-esteem.

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Industry and Individual Responses​

Developers of dating apps can take steps to mitigate these potential harms. Strategies might include:

• Reducing the prominence of profile photos and highlighting interests or personality.
• Enhancing moderation tools to address discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

Australia’s government has introduced a code of conduct—effective from April 1—which aims to reduce harmful behavior on these platforms. This effort seeks to curb discrimination and provide a safer online environment.

On the user level, experts suggest:

• Choosing Profile Images Wisely: Use photos that reflect personality, hobbies, or group settings rather than only selfies or revealing images.
• Prioritizing Positive Conversations: Block and report anyone who is abusive or discriminatory.
• Taking Breaks: Step away from dating apps if they begin to feel overwhelming, or if you find yourself in a negative emotional cycle.

Despite these concerns, many users report positive experiences, such as boosted confidence and more opportunities to meet like-minded people.

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Looking Ahead​

As dating apps continue to transform modern romance, ongoing research is crucial for understanding their full impact on mental health, body image, and overall wellbeing. The hope is that, with responsible development and mindful use, these platforms can be a source of connection without undermining users’ self-esteem or emotional health.