Teens Using Dating Apps More Than Expected, Study Indicates

A recent study from Northwestern Medicine has found that nearly one in four adolescents New York City and Chicago used dating apps over a six-month period – higher than anticipated rates from earlier reports. Crucially, the research did not find lasting differences in mental health outcomes between teen users and non-users, challenging fears about teen mental health and app use.

Researchers tracked 149 participants using a passive smartphone app that recorded keyboard activity, identifying usage of Tinder, Yubo, Hinge, Bumble, and Pdbee. Teens who used dating apps did have elevated rates of risky behaviors – such as rule-breaking and substance use – at the study’s outset, but follow-up surveys showed depressive symptoms and social anxiety remained similar between both groups after six months.

Lilian Li, a postdoctoral fellow and lead author, said, “Perhaps parents don’t need to immediately panic when they see their teens using dating apps. What’s more important is for parents to have a conversation with their kids about why they are using these apps in the first place”. The findings suggest dating apps may also serve important social functions, particularly for teens identifying as sexual or gender minorities.

This study distinguishes itself by using objective usage data rather than relying on participant self-reports—an approach that yields more accurate insights into teen engagement patterns. While short-term associations with behavioral risks are noted, no causal mental health consequences were observed within the study period.