In a recent study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, investigators found that many users on online dating apps are not looking for dates.

The study surveyed 1,387 English-speaking Tinder users between the ages of 17 to 84 years old from France and Switzerland. Subjects were asked about their reasons for using apps, number of matches and offline dates they’ve had, current relationship status, selectiveness, and questions regarding their psychological profile including impulsivity, depression, self-esteem and loneliness.

The authors found that about half were not on the apps looking for actual dates without plans to meeting offline. Two-third were already in a relationship or married. Many people reported their motivation to be on online dating apps were for entertainment, distraction, increase self-esteem, cope with negative emotions, and looking for social connection.

Overall satisfaction were found higher for users who were using the apps to find romantic partners, people to socialize with, and had a lot of matches.

On the other hand, satisfaction was low for those using the apps to cope with negative emotions such as depression and boost self-esteem as well as those who impulsive or who’s attachment style is of being more guarded in relationships.

Also, actual offline dates lead to slightly higher satisfaction than just using the app.

With approximately 75 million active users each month, all this swiping and writing messages to nowhere is a waste of your time, teaching you bad habits, and making you social skills weak. Delete the apps and go out there, do something with your life, and you’ll find that perfect special someone you’ve been looking for.

G Vera Cruz et al. Finding intimacy online: a machine learning analysis of predictors of success. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2022.0367