BMC Psychol March 2020 PMID 32127048

Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study.

Nicol Holtzhausen, Keersten Fitzgerald, Ishaan Thakur, Jack Ashley, Margaret Rolfe, Sabrina Winona Pit

Mentions

28
Peak: 3 in Mar 2020
across 4 sources since Mar 2020

Extended reach

182,895
potential audience

Total likes

1,627

Video views

118,452

Mentions per month

Mar 2020 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter11 posts
  • News9 articles
  • YouTube5 videos
  • Reddit3 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects concern and acknowledgment of the study's importance, exemplified by phrases like 'highly responsible for an epidemic of loneliness' and 'linked to poor mental health,' which convey both support and alarm. Words like 'serious' and 'especially interesting' reflect engagement and perceived relevance, while mentions of multiple sources underscore the social impact of these findings.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree that swipe-based dating apps are linked to negative mental health outcomes, with many posts emphasizing the harmful effects such as depression and loneliness.

InterestHigh interest

The discussion shows high interest, as many posts highlight the research findings and express concern about mental health implications.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several comments reference specific studies, suggesting moderate engagement through sharing summaries and related opinions, but few delve deeply into methodological critiques.

ImpactModerate impact

The social discussions imply the findings are seen as significant, raising awareness about mental health issues associated with dating apps and calling for awareness or action.

Abstract in brief

  • This study explores how swipe-based dating applications (SBDAs) relate to mental health, finding that users experience higher psychological distress and depression than non-users.
  • About 30% of participants were current SBDA users, most of whom had met their matches face-to-face and many had entered serious relationships via these apps, with some reporting improved self-esteem.
  • The results suggest that SBDA use is significantly associated with increased chances of psychological distress and depression, even after accounting for age, gender, and sexual orientation.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Prof Paul Dolan
@profpauldolan · X

Especially interesting in current times: this paper finds that users of Swipe-Based Dating Applications report higher scores for psychological distress and depression, similar to those of long-term social media use. https://t.co/Yem1fSSwfV

Feb 24, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 12,628 followers View post →
Keith R Laws
@Keith_Laws · X

Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study #openaccess https://t.co/zUjmwCRBFh users report higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress compared to those who do not use the applications

Mar 5, 2020 · 3 likes · 4,607 followers View post →
Arezoo Ghandchi
@ArezGhand · X

@PSY_001 ببین نه لزوما، از عصری دارم میخونم در موردش و این مقاله به نظرم جالب اومد چون میگه یوزرهای این اپ‌ها به طور معناداری افسرده‌تر، مضطرب‌تر و پریشان‌ترند. که خب دلیل رفتار عجیبش می‌تونه این باشه. https://t.co/nOCMVRZ6ou

Jun 17, 2021 · 2 likes · 156 followers View post →
BMC Series
@BMC_series · X

Do swipe-based dating apps have an effect on mental health? Read this article in #BMCPsychology https://t.co/BvxxcJpka7 https://t.co/MIh0rt0x8u

Apr 21, 2020 · 1 like · 21,288 followers View post →
BMC Series
@BMC_series · X

Swipe-based dating applications - what are the effects on mental health #BMCPsychology https://t.co/rqpAcF1FDe https://t.co/zlOnx9j74m

Mar 5, 2020 · 1 like · 21,288 followers View post →
Wilmar Cardaña
@wilmareverton · X

@billordo Hay un estudio serio y largo que no tengo ganas de leer: https://t.co/BRBd6xIi5P

Jul 17, 2021 · 1 like · 2,572 followers View post →

All mentions

Challenges Faced by Muslims in Western Marriages

This video explores the difficulties Muslims encounter when marrying in Western societies, including social media hurdles, dating app issues, and the impact of capitalism on supporting relationships, alongside the…

sara · Apr 20, 2025 5,114 views
Sol Ehrlich
@SolEhrlich · X

@j_fishback Dating apps are highly responsible for an epidemic of loneliness and depression among men and women, and have socially engineered avoidant attachment styles that make real connections almost frowned upon https://t.co/oMnVrWL6NF

Jan 15, 2025 · 1 like · 197 followers View post →
Dr Sabrina Pit
@SabrinaPit · X

Summary of dating app research with medical students :-) ✅

Apr 14, 2024 · 210 followers View post →
Psychiatrist4U
@psychiatrist4_u · X

Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study | BMC Psychology | Full Text TINDER USERS - careful !! https://t.co/905MQr5hFw

Jan 27, 2023 · 114 followers View post →
Wilmar Cardaña
@wilmareverton · X

@billordo Hay un estudio serio y largo que no tengo ganas de leer: https://t.co/BRBd6xIi5P

Jul 17, 2021 · 1 like · 2,572 followers View post →
Arezoo Ghandchi
@ArezGhand · X

@PSY_001 ببین نه لزوما، از عصری دارم میخونم در موردش و این مقاله به نظرم جالب اومد چون میگه یوزرهای این اپ‌ها به طور معناداری افسرده‌تر، مضطرب‌تر و پریشان‌ترند. که خب دلیل رفتار عجیبش می‌تونه این باشه. https://t.co/nOCMVRZ6ou

Jun 17, 2021 · 2 likes · 156 followers View post →
Kirstie H
@kirstieh · X

RT @profpauldolan: Especially interesting in current times: this paper finds that users of Swipe-Based Dating Applications report higher sc…

Feb 24, 2021 · 1 share · 1,051 followers View post →
Prof Paul Dolan
@profpauldolan · X

Especially interesting in current times: this paper finds that users of Swipe-Based Dating Applications report higher scores for psychological distress and depression, similar to those of long-term social media use. https://t.co/Yem1fSSwfV

Feb 24, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 12,628 followers View post →
BMC Series
@BMC_series · X

Do swipe-based dating apps have an effect on mental health? Read this article in #BMCPsychology https://t.co/BvxxcJpka7 https://t.co/MIh0rt0x8u

Apr 21, 2020 · 1 like · 21,288 followers View post →
Dr Sabrina Pit
@SabrinaPit · X

New research shows that datings apps linked to poor mental health. @abcnews @blackdoginst @headspace_aus @mentalhealth @BupaAustralia @ReutersChina @DailyMailUK Free access at: https://t.co/OjopWT6rpo https://t.co/QlhmRmjgDb

Mar 11, 2020 · 210 followers View post →
Keith R Laws
@Keith_Laws · X

Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study #openaccess https://t.co/zUjmwCRBFh users report higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress compared to those who do not use the applications

Mar 5, 2020 · 3 likes · 4,607 followers View post →
BMC Series
@BMC_series · X

Swipe-based dating applications - what are the effects on mental health #BMCPsychology https://t.co/rqpAcF1FDe https://t.co/zlOnx9j74m

Mar 5, 2020 · 1 like · 21,288 followers View post →
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