By HardikManiktala, Rewa Gupta and Simon Arora (Students of B.Sc. Clinical Psychology students at Chitkara University)
Abstract
Dating apps have changed the nature of dating. But how do dating apps affect users’ body image? This study aims to understand the relationship between dating app design (i.e. swipe, curated profiles, etc.) and users’ body image, and, specifically, the way in which users characterized their body (e.g., length,
size, shape). A mixed-methods approach using both surveys and interviews were used to understand the relationship between dating apps, social comparison, and body image. Findings will help in finding out whether users of dating apps frequently report perturbing body image concerns, given that regular use of dating apps saw a stronger correlation to users reporting negative body image. More specifically, users who self-identified as particularly comparative individuals when using dating apps reported stronger sense of self image (i.e., negative body image). In addition, features associated with dating apps such as beauty filters and average meanings of attractiveness lead to consequential behaviors including self-harm and substance abuse. This study concludes with recommendations to increase body diversity and inclusivity on digital dating platforms.
Key Variables:Dating Apps,Body Image and Self Esteem.
Introduction
In today’s digital age, dating applications and sites have become increasingly prevalent for connecting with people, especially among younger generations of people. Although dating apps focus primarily on building romantic and social connections, those same applications also heavily impact users’ perceptions of themselves and their body image.
Dating applications are highly visual. And with visual aspects like profile pictures, users can place a much larger emphasis on their appearance when assessing connections with potential partners. In addition, aspects like profile filters and how users structure their profiles can add to feelings of inadequacy or self-concept and ultimately affect how potential partners see their profiles. Self-image/body image is not a new issue for society; however one principal difference is that when using dating applications we increase the chances of visual comparisons due to the nature of dating application technologies and the photos they present.
This research stems from personal experience and trends in society as today’s youth devote much of their time, if not a majority of it in virtual connections, which can distort one’s self-perception. It is even more concerning in the phase of young adulthood, a developmental stage already heavily characterized by self-exploration, identity, and romantic pursuits, the aspect of body image comparisons via dating applications explored in this study will have great significance.
Even if apps have made advancements to be more inclusive, the focus on idealized beauty is still a prominent feature of dating apps. Therefore this study will investigate how dating app usage impacts a user’s body image.
Literature Review
1. Bowman et al. (2024): Using PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review found that dating apps negatively impact users’ mental health and body image. It highlights the need to redesign app features to minimize harm.
2. Pecken et al. (2023): Contrary to many findings, this study revealed that dating app users exhibited higher self-esteem and relatively positive body image compared to non-users.
3. Lorenzo et al. (2020): Explored how swiping culture on apps like Tinder leads to increased body image concerns due to constant visual evaluation.
4. Fardouly et al. (2015): Found that exposure to idealized images on social media platforms correlates with negative body image, especially among young women.
5. Slater et al. (2014): Demonstrated that increased internet usage and social media engagement leads to internalization of the thin ideal, body surveillance, and drive for thinness.
6. Tran et al. (2019): Identified dating apps as a potential risk factor for unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs).
7. Shubel et al. (2019): Highlighted that women, in particular, engage in appearance-based comparisons on dating apps, resulting in body dissatisfaction.
8. Timmermans et al. (2020): Showed that appearance-based evaluations on swipe-centric apps contribute significantly to body dissatisfaction.
9. Bawn et al. (2023): Found a significant correlation between dating app usage, body image issues, and self-esteem levels.
Methodology
Objective: To examine the effect of dating app usage on body image.
Hypothesis: Dating app usage significantly impacts an individual’s body image.
Design: Cross-sectional study utilizing the Body Image Concerns subscale of the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT-A).
Procedure
Participants will be asked to fill out a survey based on the BUT-A subscale. The form will be distributed online with assurances of anonymity and confidentiality. Participants will be encouraged to respond honestly. The collected data will then be analyzed to identify patterns and correlations.
Ethical Considerations
•Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
•Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained.
•Participation was voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time.
•Ethical approval was secured from relevant authorities.
Results
- 35.99% of respondents disagreed that dating apps affect their body image, indicating many feel unaffected in terms of self-perception.
- 21.83% partially agreed, suggesting they recognize some influence, but it may be minor or countered by other factors.
- 11% strongly agreed that dating apps impact their body image and self-perception.
- The data reflects varied individual experiences, showing that the influence of dating apps on body image is not uniform.
- Overall, a significant portion remains skeptical or unaffected, but a notable minority feels impacted in their self-view.
Discussion
The findings indicate that perceptions of dating apps’ impact on body image vary significantly among individuals. A large portion of respondents either disagreed or only mildly agreed that these apps affect their self-perception, suggesting that the relationship between dating app usage and body image is complex and influenced by personal factors.
Interpretation
1. Many users focus on personality and connection over appearance.
2. Some are less influenced by appearance-focused app designs.
3. Varied dating experiences reduce the focus on appearance.
4. Some users use dating apps casually or for deeper connections.
5. Rejection or lack of matches can negatively affect body image
6. Exposure to filtered, unrealistic images creates stress and unrealistic body expectations
References
1.Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., Griffiths, M. D., Torsheim, T., & Sinha, R. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media and video games and symptoms of psychiatric disorders: A large-scale cross-sectional study. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.
2.Duncan, D. T., & Park, S. H. (2022). Self-presentation, body image concerns, and dating app use: A systematic review. Body Image.
3.Griffiths, M. D. (2020). The health impact of dating apps and online relationships: A brief review. Current Opinion in Psychology.
4.Holland, G., & Tiggemann, M. (2016). “Strong beats skinny every time”: Disordered eating and compulsive exercise in women who post fitspiration on Instagram. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
5.Mills, J. S., Musto, S., Williams, L., & Tiggemann, M. (2018). “Selfie” harm: Effects on mood and body image in young women. Body Image.
6.Monro, A., & Huon, G. (2005). Media-portrayed idealized images, body shame, and appearance anxiety. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
7.Rodgers, R. F., McLean, S. A., & Paxton, S. J. (2015). Longitudinal relationships among internalization of the media ideal, peer social comparison, and body dissatisfaction: Implications for the tripartite influence model. Developmental Psychology.
8.Strubel, J., & Petrie, T. A. (2017). Love me Tinder: Body image and psychosocial functioning among men and women.
APPENDIX
