New Study Reveals Many Tinder Users Aren’t Looking for Dates

A recent study examining user behavior on Tinder suggests that the odds may be stacked against those genuinely seeking romance. Researchers found that half of surveyed Tinder users weren’t actively interested in dating, and nearly two-thirds were already in relationships – some even married – while still using the app.

The study, named Finding Intimacy Online: A Machine Learning Analysis of Predictors of Success, surveyed nearly 1,400 individuals aged 18 to 74, and could be a sign of the shifting function of dating apps. Rather than platforms for romantic connection, many users now treat them as sources of entertainment and social validation, akin to traditional social media. Users often swipe for fun, to pass time, or to gain confidence from matches and likes, rather than to pursue real-life dates.

This misalignment of intentions creates what the study’s co-author Germano Vera Cruz refers to as a “game of deception,” in which users with genuine intentions face lowered chances of success. Those who are emotionally invested in finding a partner are more likely to experience frustration, especially when interacting with users who aren’t upfront about their relationship status or motivations.

Interestingly, the study also notes that people using Tinder to manage negative emotions or distract themselves from psychological stress report the lowest levels of satisfaction. Issues such as avoidant attachment and impulsivity were also linked to more negative experiences on the app.

Despite these findings, the relatively small survey size compared to Tinder’s user base – as well as any bias from the individauls surveyed – mean that these users are hopefully a minority. Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, co-author of the study, pointed out that “we can’t deny the fact, though, that a big percentage of successful relationships now start online” – and that selectivity has always been a part of dating apps, so users who want real relationships are likely to pursue others who are also actively looking for a connection.