Our studies show that dating applications can have a negative impact on body image and mental health

Around 350 million people around the world Exploit dating applications that accumulate estimated annual revenues of over USD 5 billion. In Australia, 49% of adults Report to at least one dating application or website, and another 27% did it in the past.

But during the dates of the application, they helped many people Find romantic partnersThese are not all good news.

IN Last reviewMy colleagues and I found that the utilize of dating applications can be associated with a worse image of the body, mental health and well -being.

We have gathered evidence

Our study was a systematic review in which we collected the results of 45 studies that analyzed the utilize of dating applications and the way it was related to the image of the body, mental health or well -being.

The body image refers to the perception or feelings that it has in its own appearance, often referring to the size of the body, shape and attractiveness.

Most of the research we discussed was published in 2020. Most were carried out in Western countries (such as the United States, Great Britain and Australia). Slightly below half of the research, it included participants of all sexes. Interestingly, 44% of research only observed men, while only 7% included women.

Of the 45 studies, 29 analyzed the impact of dating applications on mental health and well -being, and 22 considering influence on the image of the body (some looked at both). Some studies have examined the differences between users and not users of dating applications, while others checked whether the intensity of using dating applications (how often they are used, how many applications are used and so on) makes a difference.

Over 85% of research (19 out of 22) In search of a body image, significant negative relationships between the utilize of dating application and the image of the body were found. Just below half of the research (14 out of 29) observed negative relationships with mental health and well -being.

Studies have been related to problems with problems, including dissatisfaction with the body, disordered food, depression, anxiety and low self -esteem.

It is essential to notice that our research has several restrictions. For example, almost all studies contained in the review were cross-section – Research that analyzes data at a certain moment.

This means that researchers were unable to recognize whether dating applications really cause Body image, mental health and well -being in time or whether there is simply a correlation. They cannot rule out that in some cases the relationship may go the other way, which means that bad mental health or body image increases the likelihood of using dating applications.

The research contained in the review was also conducted mainly in Western regions with mainly white participants, limiting our ability to generalize the results for all populations.

Why are dating applications related to the wrong image of the body and mental health?

Despite these restrictions, there are probable reasons to expect that there may be a relationship between dating applications and a worse body image, mental health and well -being.

Like many social media, dating applications are predominantly oriented on the image, which means they have Emphasis on photos or videos. Users of dating applications are initially exposed mainly to photos when browsing, with information such as interests or hobby available only after manually clicking on the profiles.

For this reason, users often evaluate profiles based primarily on the attached photos. Even when the user clicks to the profile of another person, regardless of whether he likes “or someone can often be determined primarily on the basis of physical appearance.

This emphasis on visual content on dating applications may, in turn, cause that users will watch their appearance So more essential than who they are as a person. This process is called a self -made.

People who experience self -specificity are more likely to study their appearance, potentially leading to body dissatisfaction, shame of the body or other problems related to Body image.

There may be several reasons why dating applications can affect mental health and well -being, many of which can Focus on rejection.

Rejection can appear in many forms in dating applications. This can be suggested, such as lack of matches, or can be clear, such as discrimination or abuse. Users who often meet in dating applications can more often experience a poorer self -esteem, depressive symptoms or anxiety.

And if the rejection is seen as based on appearance, it can again lead to fears related to the image of the body.

Moreover, convenience and Game The nature of dating applications can lead people who could take a break to pull.

What can the application developers do? What can you do?

The creators of dating applications should look for ways to protect users from these possible damage. This may, for example, include a reduction in the importance of photos on user profiles and increasing the moderation of discrimination and abuse on their platforms.

The Australian government has developed Code of conduct – to enforce from April 1 this year – to support moderate and reduce discrimination and abuse on online dating platforms. This is a positive step.

Despite the possible negatives, research has found that dating applications can support trust And they support users meet up-to-date people.

If you utilize dating applications, my colleagues and I recommend choosing profile photos that you feel that they display their personality or interests or photos with friends, and not partially dressed images and selfies. Get involved in positive conversations with other users, block and report everyone who is abusive or discriminatory.

It is also reasonable to take breaks in applications, especially if you feel overwhelmed or depressed.

If this article has raised problems for you or you are worried about someone you know, call Lifeline to number 13 11 14. The Butterfly Foundation provides support for eating disorders and problems with the image of the body, and can be achieved 1800 334 673.