ICNOVA Study: Dating App Usage Habits in Portugal

A new study from researcher Rita Sepúlveda at ICNOVA (Instituto de Comunicação da NOVA) provides fresh insights into how Portuguese users engage with dating apps. The survey, funded by FCT and published in February 2026, captured responses from active users to examine motivations, self-presentation, interaction dynamics, and overall perceptions.

Tinder and Bumble remain the most popular platforms, with users commonly maintaining accounts on two (27%) or three (25%) apps. Motivations vary widely: 61% seek serious relationships, 59% casual encounters, 47% new social connections, and 44% simply to pass time. Gender differences appear – women prioritize relationship-building and social ties, while men lean toward casual experiences.

Self-presentation centers on photos and bios. 86% consider the first profile photo crucial for decisions, and 73% have rejected profiles based on it. Bios most often include hobbies/interests (20%) and personal details (20%), with 18% stating relationship intentions. However, 16% admit to lying on profiles (most commonly about intentions, age, or marital statu) with men (65% of liars) more likely to do so, especially to increase matches or appear more attractive.

Interaction patterns show frequent use: 43% access apps daily, 36% two to three times a week. First messages are often initiated by men, but 56% have unmatched or ghosted someone based on the opener. Ghosting is widespread—93% have ghosted someone, and 38% report being ghosted multiple times. Despite this, 73% evaluate their overall experience positively, and 78% expect to continue or return to dating apps in the next year.

Safety remains a concern: 36% cite it as a major issue, with women (57%) far more worried than men. Suggested improvements include stronger profile moderation, clearer privacy policies, and better reporting systems. 91% have taken breaks from apps, mainly due to loss of interest (70%), demotivation with the experience (41%), or wasting time (41%).