Researchers at the University of Vienna have shed new light on how intensive swiping on dating apps can shape people’s emotional experience and dating prospects. The study, which appears in Telematics and Informatics, follows earlier work linking dating app use to mental health concerns and digs into the conditions that amplify harm when people scroll through profiles for long stretches.
The project builds on prior findings showing that dating apps can affect mental well-being. In this latest experiment, a team of researchers surveyed 464 young adults aged 16 to 25 who regularly used dating platforms. Participants were exposed to a stream of other users’ profiles and were asked to express interest by swiping right or pass them by with a left swipe. The design aimed to replicate the feel of everyday usage while isolating specific behaviors that might contribute to negative outcomes.
What emerged from the data was a clear pattern: excessive scrolling, regardless of swipe direction, was linked to a heightened fear of loneliness. As people navigated hundreds of potential matches, they often felt their own life circumstances were not aligning with the image of a “perfect” partner they encountered online. This perceived mismatch increased a sense of personal misfortune, which in turn dampened enthusiasm for real-world dating opportunities.
Another important finding was the way abundance of choice could distort self-perception. When users compare themselves with a large pool of seemingly desirable profiles, self-esteem tended to suffer. The study suggests that the more people measure themselves against others on a constant feed, the more their confidence erodes and the more difficult it becomes to initiate authentic connections outside the screen.
Researchers stress that the link between dating app use and mental harm does not come from the platform itself but from patterns of engagement. The harm appears when frequent use is tied to compulsive page-turning and the pressure of constant validation signals such as new matches or likes. In practical terms, the study advises individuals looking for a meaningful relationship on dating apps to set boundaries around swiping behavior and to minimize responsiveness to every notification that arrives on the device.
These conclusions help explain why some users experience a cycle of scrolling and discouragement. The authors emphasize that healthier approaches can still involve dating apps, provided users are mindful of their habits. Strategies include limiting time spent on the app, turning off nonessential alerts, and focusing on meaningful interactions rather than endless browsing. By prioritizing intentional engagement over quantity, individuals may protect their mental well-being while increasing the likelihood of forming genuine connections.
In broader terms, the findings contribute to a growing conversation about how digital dating ecosystems shape social and emotional outcomes. They underscore the importance of designing user experiences that encourage healthier patterns of use rather than encouraging perpetual evaluation of one’s social worth. As dating platforms evolve, researchers hope to see features that support users in maintaining balance and in building real-life connections that extend beyond the screen, rather than simply accumulating matches.
Ultimately, the Vienna study offers a practical reminder: a more mindful, restrained approach to swiping can help preserve both self-esteem and the chances of meaningful relationships, even in a landscape saturated with profiles. The message is clear for users in North America and beyond — regulate your scrolling, ignore the urge to chase every notification, and invest effort in authentic conversations that translate into real-world dating opportunities. This perspective aligns with the growing stance among researchers that well-being should accompany digital dating practices, not be sacrificed to them.