New research out of the United States has claimed users of the hugely-popular dating app Tinder may actually have lower self-esteem as a result.
The University of North Texas research found those frequenting the hook-up app were less happy with their bodies, were more likely to compare their appearance to others and think of themselves as sexual objects.
Jessica Strubel, lead author of the study humorously entitled Love Me Tinder, said: “
“It’s creating a 24/7 constant need for impression and appearance management.”
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The study surveyed more than 1,300 college-age students about body satisfaction, social comparison, self-esteem, internalisation of appearance images and, finally Tinder usage.
Both men and women who admitted to using Tinder were more likely to experience negative emotions in these categories.
The authors of the study suggest rejection on Tinder may be taking more of a toll on male users than females, given the impression women on the site are, shall we say, more discerning with their swipes.
Trent Petrie, co-author, said (via TIME Motto): “The men, in essence, are put in a position that women often find themselves in, certainly in the dating scene: They’re now being evaluated and are being determined whether or not somebody is interested in them [based on their looks].
“Men may be more likely to get more swipe-lefts. And that can take a toll, perhaps, on those young men.”
Who’d have thunk an app encouraging users to swipe right on potential dates based largely on a single less-than-accurate picture, would lead to negative pre-occupation with appearance among patrons?
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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