Around 350 million people worldwide use dating apps and they earn more than an estimated 5 billion US dollars. In Australia, 49 percent of adults report using at least one online dating app or website, while 27 have done so in the past. But, while dating apps have helped many people find romantic partners, but it was not good for all. In a recent review, my colleagues and I found that the use of dating apps may be associated with poor body image, mental health and wellbeing.
We collected evidence. Our study was a systematic review, where we collected the results of 45 studies, which used to use the dating app and how it was associated with body image, mental health or wellbeing.
What is body image?
Body image refers to perceptions or emotions to a person’s own appearance, which is often related to body shape, shape and attraction.
More number of men in the study:
More of the studies we included were published after 2020. More studies were conducted in Western countries (such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia). About half of the studies included all gender participants. Interestingly, 44 percent of studies include only men, while only 7 percent included women.
Effect on mental health
Of the 45 studies, 29 saw the impact of dating apps on mental health and health and 22 considered the impact on body image (some saw both). Some studies tested the difference between users and non-users of dating apps, while others noticed how many times they are used, how many apps are used, etc.) Or not.
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Negative effects on mental health in 14 out of 29 people
More than 85 percent of studies (19 out of 22) who saw body images (19 out of 22) found negative relations between the use of dating apps and Bod images. Nearly half of studies (14 out of 29) saw negative relations with mental health and health.
What was found in the study?
In studies, relationships were found with problems like dissatisfaction with the body, grated habits, depression, anxiety and low self -esteem. It is important to keep in mind that our research has some limitations. For example, almost all the studies included in the reviews were cross-sectional, studies that analyze data at a particular time.
This means that researchers were unable to understand that dating apps really cause body image, mental health and concerns of wellbying over time or simply have a correlation. They cannot deny that in some cases the relationship can go in another direction, which means that poor mental health or body image increases the possibility of a person’s dating app.
Also, the studies included in the review were performed mainly with white participants in most western regions, limiting our ability to normalize the findings for all population.
Why are dating apps associated with bad body image and mental health?
Despite these limitations, there is a possibility of relationship between dating apps and poor body images, mental health and health. Like a lot of social media, dating apps are also image-centered, which means that they have more emphasis on pictures or videos. When browsing dating app users initially see the photo mainly, in which information like interest or hobby is available only after clicking on the profile.
Due to affecting mental health and health
There can be many reasons for dating apps on mental health and health, many of which can be concentrated around rejection. Rejection on dating apps can come in many forms. It can be vested, such as not getting a match, or it can be clear, such as discrimination or misconduct. Users, often facing rejection on dating apps, may be more likely to have self-esteem decrease, depression symptoms or anxiety experience.
What can app developers do?
Developers of dating apps should find ways to protect users from these possible disadvantages. For example, this may include reducing the prominence of photos on users profiles and increasing the moderation of discrimination and abuse on their platforms.
The Australian government formed a code of conduct to help reduce and reduce discrimination on online dating platforms, which will be implemented from 1 April this year. This is a positive step.
Despite the potential negativities, research has also found that dating apps can help increase confidence and meet users to meet new people.
If you use dating apps, you choose a profile image or a photo with friends showing your personality or interests, not an image and selfie wearing a semi-cloth. Have positive conversations with other users.
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(Disclaimer: This material including advice only provides general information. It is not an alternative to qualified medical opinion in any way. Always consult an expert or your doctor for more information. Lokjanta does not claim responsibility for this information Does.)