Scientists from the University of Vienna discovered that excessive swiping on dating apps increases the fear of loneliness and reduces the chances of a relationship. The research was published in the journal Telematics and Informatics.
Previous research has shown that using dating apps can lead to decreased mental health. In a new experiment, scientists explained under what conditions their harm is maximum. The study authors surveyed 464 dating app users ages 16 to 25. In these, participants were shown other people’s profiles, which they could like or dislike by swiping to the right or left side of the screen.
Excessive scrolling (in any direction) was associated with users’ increased fear of loneliness due to the feeling that they were unlucky in their personal lives. The pressure of having so many potential partners to choose from paralyzed people, thus reducing their chances of dating. Additionally, these participants began to compare themselves with other people more frequently, which was associated with the risk of deteriorating self-esteem.
Researchers have highlighted that frequent use of dating apps only causes mental harm when associated with excessive page-turning. The authors suggest that people interested in finding a partner on dating apps should limit compulsive swiping and ignore notifications about new matches or likes.
Previously recognizedHow long you need to be alone with yourself for the feeling of loneliness to arise.