Psychologische Effekte des Swipens auf Dating Apps

Translated title of the contribution: Psychological effects of swiping on dating apps

Marina Frederike Thomas*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Other publication (non peer-reviewed)Other publication (not peer-reviewed)

Abstract

What distinguishes mobile dating apps from online matchmaking agencies and social networking sites is their swipe-function, meaning that users accept or reject profiles by thumb-brushing right or left. Swiping consists of (a) the chance of receiving peer feedback in the form of matches, (b) cognitively processing an abundance of dating options, and (c) decision-making. Informed by social psychological theories, i.e., sociometer (Leary, 1995), tyranny of choice (Schwartz, 2000), and regulatory mode (Kruglanski, 2000), we examined psychological effects of swiping-specific aspects in six studies (three experimental, two cross-sectional, one longitudinal). Across studies, the frequency of dating app use was unrelated to detrimental outcomes. Excessive swiping, swiping in assessment mode, and evaluating abundant dating options were linked to an increased fear of being single and partner choice overload. Receiving matches induced partner choice overload but failed to decrease fear of being single. In sum, effects depend on how dating apps users swipe.
Translated title of the contributionPsychological effects of swiping on dating apps
Original languageGerman
TypeArticle
Media of outputText
PublisherPsychologie in Österreich
Number of pages8
Volume3
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Partner choice
  • Dating app decisions
  • Mate choice
  • Tinder

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