From matches to mirrors: An exploration of men’s and women’s experiences of dating apps and body image outcomes

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between dating app use, body image outcomes, and appearance-related behaviours in young adult users. A total of 118 participants (72 women, 41 men; age range: 18–34 years; M = 25.11, SD = 4.33) were included, who were current or recent dating app users. Gender differences in dating app use and their impact on body image outcomes, including appearance-based rejection sensitivity, body appreciation, weight control behaviours, and cosmetic surgery acceptance, were examined. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between dating app use and body image outcomes with broad differences between two genders, women and men, indicating different appearance pressures and appearance-modification strategies related to dating app use. Regression analyses identified perceived success as a consistent predictor of all body image outcomes for women, highlighting the role of societal standards and social validation in shaping self-perception. These findings suggest that appearance centred media such as dating apps play a significant role in body image outcomes, particularly for women, and highlight the importance of considering protective filtering and intervention mechanisms on dating apps or for dating app users.

Keywords

Body dissatisfaction develops when an individual’s negative perception of their physical appearance creates a discrepancy between their actual and ideal body shape (Heider et al., 2018). It is estimated 20–40% of women and 10–30% of men experience body dissatisfaction; however, women often report significantly higher dissatisfaction with their bodies than men (Quittkat et al., 2019). Body dissatisfaction is associated with adverse health outcomes and behavioural implications due to an unrealistic fixation with achieving a specific physique and the belief that appearance defines self-worth (Vannucci & Ohannessian, 2017). Sociocultural theories of body image such as the Tripartite Influence Model (TIM; Thompson et al., 1999) and Cultivation Theory (Gerbner et al., 1994) propose media exposure to idealised body images is a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction and the desire to modify one’s appearance to meet a societal standard of beauty. Current evidence supports this proposition, indicating that internalising mass media’s representations of beauty reinforces the concept that altering one’s physical appearance is necessary and healthy (Swami, 2013). As a result, internalisation of beauty ideals contributes to negative self-perception (Jarry et al., 2019), and a greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery procedures as a means of enhancing one’s image and perception of themselves (Swami, 2009; Walker et al., 2021).

Dating applications (apps) have the potential to exacerbate appearance-related pressures, as they primarily facilitate connections through curated, idealised images and user-generated prompts intended to attract potential partners for romance, casual sex, or friendship (Orchard, 2019). With an estimated 380 million users worldwide and expected growth to 450 million by 2028 (Statistica, 2024), dating apps have become a normalised method of meeting new people and forming romantic connections, both causal and long-term (Orchard, 2019; Portingale et al., 2022). The average dating app user is 18–34 years old, has used dating apps for at least one year, and engages with the platform two to three times a day (Portingale et al., 2022). It is estimated 20% of people currently in committed relationships met their partner online, through a dating app or site (Hance et al., 2017).

Online dating apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge use geolocation and the user’s curated pictures to pair potential dating partners, with the average user swiping left (reject) or right (accept) on approximately 140 profiles per day (Blake et al., 2022). Due to limited information other than images available, users predominantly make appraisals on physical appearance, reinforcing the notion that attractiveness is a primary factor in romantic connections and dating success (Blake et al., 2022). While there are ‘non-swiping based’ dating apps such as Hinge and Bumble that have introduced features designed to encourage users to consider more nuanced aspects of potential partners, such as prompts and questions, people are still impelled to make appearance-centred evaluations from users’ profiles (Blake et al., 2022). Given their focus on rapid, appearance-based evaluation, dating apps may reinforce people’s body image concerns. Research indicates dating app users experience significantly higher body dissatisfaction and negative feelings than non-users (Chen et al., 2019). Furthermore, in a sample of 1,147 women and men, Strubel and Petrie (2017) found Tinder users were significantly less satisfied with their bodies. Notably, men who used Tinder reported experiencing lower levels of self-esteem than both women and men who did not use the app.

While previous research on dating app use has included both men and women, there is a gap in the literature directly comparing their use of dating apps and associated body image outcomes. Research in this area is of particular importance, as the influence of dating apps may differ due to gendered social expectations. Societal standards have placed greater importance on women’s physical appearance (Portingale et al., 2022; Sobieraj & Humphreys, 2022). Women typically receive a higher number of matches than men, which may reinforce the perception that their value is closely tied to their appearance (Ranzini & Lutz, 2017; Timmermans & Courtois, 2018). Therefore, women may become more vulnerable to appearance-related feedback and body image concerns (Park & Pinkus, 2009). While men face less societal pressure to conform to specific beauty standards, they typically use dating apps more frequently and engage more intensely, often experiencing higher levels of rejection (Jiménez-Muro et al., 2024). The Cultivation Theory (Gerbner et al., 1994) provides a useful framework to understand this phenomenon; as prolonged exposure to media that emphasises physical appearance may lead men to overvalue the importance of appearance in social and romantic success, thereby increasing their vulnerability to body image concerns (Swami, 2013).

A qualitative study supported this notion, as dating app users shared they would not bother reading the biographic information available on the profiles of very physically attractive users because they were considered “automatic swipes” due to their physical appearance in the photos they uploaded (Coduto & Fox, 2024). Appearance-based rejection sensitivity refers to the dispositional dependency to anxiously anticipate, readily perceive, and overreact to real or imagined signs of rejection based on physical appearance (Portingale et al., 2022). Individuals with high appearance-based rejection sensitivity experience greater body dissatisfaction, and stronger feelings of rejection compared to people with lower appearance-based rejection sensitivity (Blake et al., 2022; Deng et al., 2019). Furthermore, individuals with increased appearance-based rejection sensitivity are more likely to prioritise appearance in the social world, perceive themselves as unattractive, engage in more appearance comparisons, and feel more negatively about themselves (Park & Pinkus, 2009; Tran et al., 2023). The pervasive focus and centrality of physical appearance within the context of dating apps can amplify the perceived importance of looks, leading individuals to potentially attribute dating app rejection to an undesirable physical appearance (Blake et al., 2022). This is partly supported by Hance et al. (2017), who identified a positive association between increased dating app use and heightened appearance-based rejection sensitivity in both men and women. Similarly, Huang and Gong (2025) identified a correlation between problematic dating app use, partially defined by increased dating app use (Bonilla-Zorita et al., 2021) and greater appearance-based rejection sensitivity in a sample who predominantly identified as men (86.6%). Previous research indicates a correlation between dating app use and appearance-based rejection sensitivity in both men and women; however, studies exploring gender differences in this context remains limited.

Body appreciation is a key component of positive body image, characterised by the acceptance, respect and positive regard for one’s body, which encourages healthy body-related behaviours (Linardon et al., 2022). Moreover, body appreciation is associated with better long-term mental health outcomes, serving as a protective factor against body dissatisfaction (Swami, 2009) and reducing the likelihood of engaging in detrimental health behaviours (Linardon et al., 2023). Previous research indicates women experience higher body appreciation than men, suggesting gender differences in the way men and women perceive their body (Quittkat et al., 2019). Dating app use may be negatively associated with body appreciation, as the likes and comments users receive on their profiles provide both quantitative and qualitative feedback on their physical attractiveness. Therefore, negative feedback can lead individuals to evaluate themselves from the perspectives of potential dating partners, leading to a higher level of self-criticism, and lower body appreciation (Levy et al., 2024). Although limited research has specifically explored the relationship between dating app use and body appreciation, existing studies suggest a positive association between higher body appreciation and reduced consumption of Western, appearance-focused media in adolescent women (Kleemans et al., 2018). The limited research examining body appreciation, dating app use, and gender differences highlights a gap in the literature, thereby perpetuating the need for further research. Studies such as Quittkat et al. (2019), which identified gender differences in body appreciation, highlight the importance of exploring these correlations in greater depth, with further research.

In the pursuit of an idealised physique that conforms to societal pressures, many individuals engage in risky and maladaptive behaviours aimed at altering their bodies. Unhealthy weight control behaviours include purging, fasting, and the use of laxatives or diet pills, with the intention of controlling weight (Lopez-Guimera et al., 2012). Such practices can result in significant adverse effects, including inadequate nutritional intake and an elevated risk of developing clinically significant eating disorders (Lopez-Guimera et al., 2012). As conceptualised in Cultivation Theory and the TIM, media often perpetuate unrealistic body image ideals, leading to increased body dissatisfaction (Papp et al., 2013). Specifically, dating apps, which prioritise physical appearance in their user interactions, may exacerbate and reinforce these body image ideals. The focus on appearance within these platforms may encourage unhealthy weight control behaviours, as individuals attempt to meet the desired body image standards in order to enhance their success in online dating contexts (Tran et al., 2019). Although research exploring the relationship between dating apps and unhealthy weight control behaviours remains limited, Tran et al. (2019) found a positive correlation, suggesting men and women who use dating apps, are more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviours compared to non-users. In particular, steroid use and the use of muscle building supplements were more prevalent in men who used dating apps, than women, suggesting the type of weight control behaviours associated with dating app use may vary by gender. This highlights the need for further research to gain a greater understanding of gender differences in dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviours and support the development of gender-specific interventions.

To mitigate body dissatisfaction, some individuals attempt to alter perceived flaws in their appearance through appearance modification behaviours, one of which includes pursuing cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is defined as the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of an individual’s physical appearance through both invasive and non-invasive surgical and medical techniques (Walker et al., 2021). Interestingly, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2013) reported an increase in cosmetic surgery requests, with growing demand for cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, Botox, and facelifts as a result of social media photo-sharing (Walker et al., 2021). While much of the existing research on the relationship between sociocultural pressures and cosmetic surgery has focused on mass media (Swami, 2009; Swami, 2013; Swami et al., 2008) and traditional social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram (Conboy & Mingoia, 2023; Walker et al., 2021) emerging evidence suggests other forms of social networking, specifically dating apps, may also play a significant role in motivating individuals toward cosmetic surgery (Burkhardt et al., 2025).

The emphasis on physical appearance within dating apps can create pressures that may contribute to users’ desire for appearance modification (Swami, 2009). Supporting this notion, Chen et al. (2019) identified a positive correlation between dating app use and acceptance of cosmetic surgery in men and women. Furthermore, Tinder users exhibited a higher level of acceptance toward cosmetic surgery compared to non-users, highlighting the potential influence of these platforms on body image perceptions, and a desire to alter appearance. In a sample of women, Burkhardt et al. (2025) reported that women who used dating apps, exhibited significantly higher positive attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, compared to women who did not use dating apps. Many studies investigating the correlation between dating app use and cosmetic surgery have predominantly consisted of women, with limited research on gender differences. This gap in the literature is particularly notable given the increasing prevalence of male cosmetic surgery procedures, highlighting the need to identify factors influencing individuals to alter their appearance (Lem et al., 2023). Although limited, studies have explored the association between dating app usage and various predictors of cosmetic surgery, such as body dissatisfaction and heightened appearance surveillance, with these correlations observed across demographic groups, including heterosexual men, women, and sexual minority men (Blake et al., 2022; Strubel & Petrie, 2017; Tran et al., 2023).

Overall, it is evident that dating apps are an influential sociocultural pressure associated with body image. The current study aims to examine the relationship between specific components of dating app use and various body image-related outcomes, including appearance-based rejection sensitivity, body appreciation, unhealthy weight control behaviours, and the acceptance of cosmetic surgery. This proposal aligns with previous literature, which underscores that the ways in which individuals engage with social media can produce more complex and nuanced effects on body image rather than a simple dichotomy of use versus non-use (e.g., Donnarumma & Mingoia, 2024). Research in this area is limited, with the available evidence suggesting a correlation between dating app use and body image outcomes in men and women, with little evidence available for gender differences (Burkhardt et al., 2025; Chen et al., 2019; Hance et al., 2017; Huang & Gong, 2025). Notably, previous research has identified gender-specific differences in unhealthy weight control behaviours (Tran et al., 2019) and body appreciation (Quittkat et al., 2019), highlighting the need for further research into how body image outcomes differ by gender, and their correlation with dating app use. Therefore, the following study will explore gender differences in dating app use patterns and how these differences influence body image among users. This study focuses specifically on the experiences of men and women, acknowledging that these categories do not encompass the full spectrum of gender identities. Research in this area is important, as the potential negative implications of dating app use on body image may differ between men and women, thereby informing the development of effective interventions. Considering this, the following research questions (RQ) are proposed:

RQ1: Are specific components of dating app use correlated with appearance-based rejection sensitivity, appearance satisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviours, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery and do differences exist in how these components influence body image among men and women?

RQ2: Which components of dating app use predict appearance-based rejection sensitivity, appearance satisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviours, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery and do differences exist in how these components influence body image among men and women?

Method

Participants and procedure

The present study included 118 participants, consisting of 72 women (64.4%) and 41 men (35.6%) dating app users between 18 and 34 years old (M = 25.11, SD = 4.33). To meet the inclusion criteria of the study, participants needed to be a young adult between the ages of 18–34 years old. This age range was selected as dating app users are predominantly 18–34 years of age (Portingale et al., 2022). People who reported being a gender other than cis-women or cis-men were excluded from the study due to potentially differing motivations for cosmetic surgery, such as gender reaffirming procedures which were not able to be controlled for in the present study (Ashley & Ells, 2018). Participants were eligible for inclusion if they currently use, or have used, dating apps within the past 30 days, as recent engagement with these platforms was considered most relevant to the study’s aims.

Following ethics approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia (Protocol: 206279), participants were recruited via advertisements on social media (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit) and metropolitan university campuses in South Australia. Advertisements directed potential participants to an information page followed by an online survey which took approximately 20 minutes to complete and could be completed remotely, at any time and location of the participants choosing. At the conclusion of the survey, participants were offered an opportunity to enter a draw to win one of three $50 gift cards.

Measures

The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire via Qualtrics, which included the following measures:

Demographic information

Participants were asked to report their age, gender, sexuality, highest level of education, as well as height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI). The following BMI ranges were used: underweight (<18.5), healthy weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), obese (>30), in line with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2021) categorisation.

Dating app use

Participants were initially asked to report whether they have used a dating app/s in the past 30 days to determine their eligibility for inclusion, and if so, which dating app/s they have used and their preferred app. A series of questions derived from prior research were then asked to measure the various components of dating app use.

History of dating app use was measured with a single item which asked participants to report how long they had been using a dating app for (scores range from 1, <one month, to 4, <12 months).

Frequency of dating app use was measured with a single item which asked participants to report how often have they had used a dating app in the past 30 days (scores range from 1, almost never, to 7, multiple times a day).

Minutes per day of dating app use was measured with a single item which asked participants to report how many minutes they use an app/s for per day.

Using an app to search for romantic partners was measured with a single item (Rochat et al., 2019) which asked participants to report the extent to which they agreed with this motivation (scores range from 1, not true at all, to 7, absolutely true).

Using an app to search for sexual partners was measured with a single item (Rochat et al., 2019) which asked participants to report the extent to which they agreed with this motivation (scores range from 1, not true at all, to 7, absolutely true).

Contacts derived from dating apps was measured with a single item (Rochat et al., 2019) which asked participants to report how many of their online or offline contacts had been initiated from a dating app in the past six months (scores range from 1, zero persons, to 8, 50 or more persons).

The number of active matches a participant has on dating apps was measured with a single item (Rochat et al., 2019) which asked participants to report how many matches they currently have.

Perceived dating app success was measured with the 11-item scale developed by Strugo and Muise (2019). Participants rated their satisfaction with a range of dating app features including matching, messaging, and meeting other users. An example item is “I’m matching with people I am interested in”. Items were scored on a 7-point scale ranging from 1, strongly disagree, to 7, strongly agree, with higher scores indicating greater perceived success on dating apps. In the present study, the scores on the scale demonstrated good internal consistency for men (a = .75) and women (a = .79).

Appearance-based rejection sensitivity scale

The Appearance-Rejection Sensitivity Scale (Park, 2007) was used to measure appearance-based rejection sensitivity on dating apps. The 15-item scale describes hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “You post a photo of yourself on a dating app”) in which participants are asked to imagine themselves in and self-report their anxiety due to being in such a scenario and their expectation of rejection based on appearance in that scenario. Participants respond using a 6-item scale, ranging from 1 (very unlikely; very concerned) to 6 (very likely; very concerned). An example question of participants anxiety about rejection based on appearance is “How concerned or anxious would you be that your date might be less attracted to you because of the way you looked?”. An example prompt for the expectation of rejection based on appearance is “I would expect that my date would find me less attractive”. Minor modification was made to the phrasing of some items to ensure greater appropriateness to the sample and dating app context of the present study (e.g., ‘internet dating service’ to ‘dating app’). The total score was calculated for each situation by multiplying the score for anxious concern with the score for rejection expectation. Individual appearance-based rejection sensitivity scores were then computed by averaging the total ratings of anxious expectations of rejection for each participant across the 15-items. High scores indicated higher appearance-based rejection sensitivity. In the present study, the scores on the scale demonstrated good internal consistency for men (a = .91) and women (a = .92).

Acceptance of cosmetic surgery scale

The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale developed by Henderson-King and Henderson-King (2005) was used to measure acceptance of cosmetic surgery. The 15-item scale consists of three subscales (intrapersonal, social, and consider) which is scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) on a 7-point scale. Higher mean scores indicated a greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery. An example prompt is “I would seriously consider having cosmetic surgery if my partner thought it was a good idea”. In the present study, the scores on the scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency for men (a = .90) and excellent internal consistency for women (a = .91).

Unhealthy weight control and muscle enhancing behaviours

Weight control behaviours were assessed using the items from Tran et al. (2023). Participants reported their frequency in engaging in six behaviours over the past 12 months for purpose of changing their body shape: fasting for weight control, vomiting for weight control, laxative use, diet pills use, using anabolic steroids, and using muscle-building supplements. Items were scored on a 5-point scale ranging from never to more than once a week or daily. A mean score was calculated, with higher scores indicating more frequent engagement in unhealthy weight control behaviours and muscle enhancing behaviours. In the present study, the scores on the scale demonstrated good internal consistency for men (a = .73) and women (a = .81).

Body appreciation

Body appreciation was measured with the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015). The 10-items are rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1, never, to 5, always. A mean score was calculated with higher scores indicating more positive body image and lower scores indicating more negative body image. An example item is, “I am comfortable in my body”. In the present study, the scores on the scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency for men (a = .89) and excellent internal consistency for women (a = .90).

Statistical analysis

Data were entered into IBM SPSS v27 and screened for normality. Descriptive statistics, univariate assumptions, and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated for all variables. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between variables for research question one. Research question two was assessed with a series of four multiple regression models with dating app variables entered as predictors of each body image outcome. Gender differences were assessed with independent samples t-tests to assess group differences between men and women.

Results

Sample characteristics

Of the 118 participants, 76.3% identified as heterosexual, 11.9% as bisexual, 5.1% as gay, 2.5% as lesbian, 1.7% as pansexual, 2.5% preferred not to disclose their sexuality. Most participants were in a healthy weight range (50.8%). In regard to education, 4.2% had completed a doctorate degree, 10.2% a master’s degree, 34.7% a bachelor’s degree, 1.7% an associate degree, and 2.5% held a certificate. Additionally, 27.1% had attended some college or university without earning a degree, and 19.5% reported high school or equivalent as their highest level of education. Differences in sample characteristics between men and women can be found in the Supplementary Materials (see Table S1).

Participants used dating apps daily, with an average of approx. 44 mins of dating app use per day (SD = 51.59). Hinge was the most preferred app, with most users engaged in using more than one app (70.3%). Comparing outcomes between men and women, women reported significantly greater appearance-based rejection sensitivity, acceptance of cosmetic surgery, frequency of dating app use, number of matches, and perceived success than men (see Table 1).

Table 1.

Results of independent samples t-tests comparing body image and dating app use between men and women.

	Menn = 42		Womenn = 76		df	t	p	95% CI		d
Measure	M	SD	M	SD	df	t	p	Lower	Upper	d
Rejection sensitivity	14.48	6.51	19.44	7.30	116	−3.68	<.001	−7.641	−2.289	0.71
Body appreciation	3.43	0.94	3.27	0.84	116	0.94	0.18	−0.176	0.493	0.18
Weight control	1.42	0.37	1.38	0.37	116	0.55	0.29	−0.102	0.181	0.11
Cosmetic surgery	3.80	1.30	4.26	1.28	116	−1.84	0.03	−0.946	0.035	0.35
History	2.83	0.79	2.83	1.05	105.01	0.03	0.49	−0.336	0.345	0.01
Frequency	4.24	1.53	4.91	1.35	76.20	−2.38	0.01	−1.231	−0.108	0.47
Mins per day	36.02	41.34	47.91	56.28	106.76	−1.31	0.10	−29.876	6.108	0.23
Romantic partners	4.76	1.53	5.01	1.61	116	−0.83	0.21	−0.854	0.351	0.16
Sexual partners	4.74	1.73	4.20	1.93	116	1.51	0.07	−0.167	1.248	0.29
Contacts	3.17	1.74	3.30	1.71	116	−0.41	0.34	−0.792	0.520	0.08
Matches^a	18.52	44.92	41.16	74.46	112.70	−2.03	0.02	−44.701	−0.580	0.35
Perceived success	4.24	0.90	4.53	0.92	116	−1.65	0.05	−0.636	0.059	0.32
Number of apps	1.98	0.81	1.99	0.76	116	−0.07	0.47	−0.306	0.285	0.01

^aMatches men n = 42; women n = 73.

Relationships between variables

For body image outcomes among men, appearance-based rejection sensitivity was positively correlated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery and minutes per day of dating app use. Body appreciation was negatively associated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery, the number of dating apps used, as well as positively associated with the frequency of dating app use and perceived success. Acceptance of cosmetic surgery was positively correlated with appearance-based rejection sensitivity and minutes per day of dating app use as well as negatively correlated with body appreciation and current number of matches. Effect sizes were mostly small to moderate (see Table 2).

Table 2.

Correlations between dating app use and body image among 118 men and women.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
1. Rejection sensitivity	—	−.29^*	.14	.40^**	.06	.01	−.11	.15	.04	−.19	.13	.25^*	−.12
2. Body appreciation	−.22	—	.21	.15	−.04	−.06	.08	.04	.24^*	.06	−.16	.57^**	−.25^*
3. Weight control	−.15	−.27	—	.37^**	−.21	.37^**	.44^**	.10	.34^**	.36^**	−.19	.26^*	.19
4. Cosmetic surgery	.35^*	−.33^*	.24	—	.19	.27^*	.14	.22	.43^**	−.02	.17	.27^*	.10
5. History	.00	.01	−.16	−.09	—	−.21	−.18	.16	−.07	−.08	.21	.03	−.15
6. Frequency	.24	.33^*	−.20	.03	−.13	—	.43^**	.11	.23^*	.46^**	.06	−.10	.26^*
7. Minutes per day	.33^*	−.13	.23	.31^*	−.04	.32^*	—	.20	.26^*	.42^**	−.08	−.02	.23^*
8. Romantic partners	.04	.14	−.23	.00	.23	.10	.14	—	.00	.04	−.08	.03	−.05
9. Sexual partners	.26	.05	.04	.09	−.07	.02	.07	−.30	—	.12	−.02	.19	.06
10. Contacts	.25	−.09	.06	−.17	−.05	.31^*	.19	−.36^*	.24	—	.20	.05	.20
11. Matches	−.14	.26	−.25	−.31^*	.11	.20	−.13	−.11	.13	.31^*	—	.05	.19
12. Perceived success	−.03	.42^**	.03	−.12	−.05	.13	−.07	.11	−.06	.21	.25	—	−.32^**
13. Number of apps	−.17	−.36^*	.22	.07	−.01	−.05	−.04	−.06	.17	.26	−.02	−.43^**	—

Note. ^*p < .05. ^**p < .001. Correlations among women are presented above the diagonal and correlations among men are below the diagonal.

For women, appearance-based rejection sensitivity was positively correlated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery and perceived success as well as negatively associated with body appreciation. Body appreciation was negatively associated with appearance-based rejection sensitivity and the number of apps used as well as positively associated with searching for sexual partners and perceived success. Weight control behaviours were positively correlated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery, frequency of use, minutes per day of dating app use, looking for sexual partners, number of contacts, and perceived success, while negatively correlated with history of use. Acceptance of cosmetic surgery was positively correlated with appearance-based rejection sensitivity, weight control behaviours, frequency of use, looking for sexual partners, and perceived success. Effect sizes were mostly small to moderate (see Table 2).

Predictors of body image

Four multiple regression models were conducted to determine whether components of dating app use predicted appearance-based rejection sensitivity, body appreciation, weight control behaviours, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery (see Tables 3 and 4).

Table 3.

Multiple regression analysis results predicting body image outcomes from dating app use among 41 men.

Predictor	Rejection sensitivity			Body appreciation			Weight control			Cosmetic surgery
Predictor	β	t	p	β	t	p	β	t	p	β	t	p
Constant		1.27	.21		1.05	.30		1.21	.24		1.55	.13
History	0.02	0.15	.88	0.04	0.26	.80	−0.05	−0.34	.74	0.00	0.03	.98
Frequency	0.11	0.64	.53	0.39	2.46	.02	−0.22	−1.33	.19	0.08	0.47	.64
Mins per day	0.10	0.63	.54	−0.19	−1.24	.23	0.41	2.54	.02	0.36	2.07	.05
Romantic partners	0.24	1.31	.20	0.05	0.26	.80	−0.39	−2.16	.04	−0.19	−0.97	.34
Sexual partners	0.31	2.01	.05	0.16	1.10	.28	−0.08	−0.50	.62	0.10	0.63	.53
Contacts	0.45	2.24	.03	−0.26	−1.34	.19	−0.20	−1.00	.33	−0.38	−1.73	.09
Matches	−0.25	−1.55	.13	0.13	0.85	.40	−0.22	−1.36	.18	−0.23	−1.33	.19
Perceived success	−0.25	−1.38	.18	0.32	1.79	.08	0.39	2.15	.04	0.14	0.72	.48
Number of apps	−0.42	−2.36	.02	−0.16	−0.94	.35	0.43	2.38	.02	0.22	1.10	.28

Table 4.

Multiple regression analysis results predicting body image outcomes from dating app use among 72 women.

Predictor	Rejection sensitivity			Body appreciation			Weight control			Cosmetic surgery
Predictor	β	t	p	β	t	p	β	t	p	β	t	p
Constant		0.76	.45		1.50	.14		−2.13	.04		−1.42	.16
History	−0.02	−0.15	.89	−0.01	−0.09	.93	−0.01	−0.14	.89	0.23	2.19	.03
Frequency	0.14	1.02	.31	−0.04	−0.34	.73	0.18	1.54	.13	0.31	2.61	.01
Mins per day	−0.08	−0.58	.57	0.06	0.46	.65	0.15	1.29	.20	0.01	0.04	.97
Romantic partners	0.18	1.46	.15	0.00	0.04	.97	0.05	0.52	.61	0.19	1.85	.07
Sexual partners	0.00	0.02	.99	0.14	1.36	.18	0.17	1.69	.10	0.36	3.49	<.001
Contacts	−0.30	−2.13	.04	0.06	0.53	.60	0.16	1.38	.17	−0.28	−2.44	.02
Matches	0.18	1.46	.15	−0.18	−1.61	.11	−0.28	−2.75	.01	0.14	1.31	.19
Perceived success	0.29	2.27	.03	0.51	4.70	<.001	0.35	3.41	.001	0.29	2.75	.01
Number of apps	0.00	−0.02	.98	−0.08	−0.68	.50	0.27	2.49	.02	0.18	1.63	.11

For the regression predicting appearance-based rejection sensitivity, the regression model was approaching significance for men, F (9, 32) = 2.09, p = .06; R² = .37, adjusted R² = .19, with the number of contacts and the number of apps used being significant predictors as well as looking for sexual partners approaching significance. The regression model was non-significant for women, F (9, 63) = 1.68, p = .11; R² = .19, adjusted R² = .08, with the number of contacts and perceived success being significant predictors.

For the regression predicting body appreciation, the regression model was significant for men, F (9, 32) = 2.49, p = .03; R² = .41, adjusted R² = .25, with frequency of use being a significant predictor, and with perceived success approaching significance. The regression model was significant for women, F (9, 63) = 4.41, p < .001; R² = .39, adjusted R² = .30, with perceived success being a significant predictor.

For the regression predicting weight control behaviours, the regression model was non-significant for men, F (9, 32) = 2.12, p = .06; R² = .37, adjusted R² = .20, with minutes per day, looking for romantic partners, perceived success, and number of apps being significant predictors. The regression model was significant for women, F (9, 63) = 6.10, p < .001; R² = .47, adjusted R² = .39, with matches, perceived success, and number of apps significant predictions.

For the regression predicting acceptance of cosmetic surgery, the regression model was not significant for men, F (9, 32) = 1.22, p = .32; R² = .26, adjusted R² = .05, with minutes per day a significant predictor. The regression model was significant for women, F (9, 63) = 5.43, p < .001; R² = .44, adjusted R² = .36, with history of use, frequency of use, looking for sexual partners, contacts, and perceived success being significant predictors.

Discussion

This study explored the relationships between dating app use and body image outcomes among men and women. Dating app usage was high among participants in our sample, with the majority reporting daily usage across multiple apps for an average of 44 minutes of use per day. The preference for Hinge, alongside the common use of multiple dating apps, suggests that users are motivated by a desire for varied experiences and platform-specific features. Various aspects of dating app usage were found to be significantly associated with, and often predictive of, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, appearance satisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviours, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery. We also found significant differences across these outcomes between men and women.

Reviewing the correlations between variables revealed some consistencies between genders. Firstly, appearance-based rejection sensitivity was positively correlated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery among both men and women. This aligns with broader literature indicating that dating app users may feel pressure to modify their appearance when interpreting rejection in the context of their appearance (Burkhardt et al., 2025). Secondly, body appreciation was positively associated with perceived dating app success among both men and women which suggests that users feel more positive about their appearance when they use dating apps in the context of achieving their goals. Body appreciation was also negatively associated with the number of apps used for both men and women, supporting the notion that heightened engagement with appearance-focused platforms can undermine positive body image. However, unhealthy weight control behaviours were associated with a range of dating app components in women, but not in men. This may suggest that akin to broader social media use, the way in which someone uses and interacts with apps may be more important than the overall usage of the app itself (Mingoia et al., 2017). Alternatively, there may be differences in the way in which men and women present photos of themselves on dating apps, with prior evidence suggesting women edit their photos more often than men (Mingoia et al., 2019) and receive more matches (Timmermans & Courtois, 2018) and hence, experience more pressure to engage in behaviours to align the real-life body with the idealised one presented online which is being reinforced with greater success. For women, perceived success significantly predicted body appreciation, echoing findings that external validation through positive app interactions can bolster self-acceptance, especially for women (Linardon et al., 2022, 2023).

Interestingly, perceived success emerged as a significant predictor across all body image outcomes for women. This consistent predictor may reflect the role of social validation and the visibility of one’s self-presentation on dating apps (Bowman et al., 2025; Burkhardt et al., 2025). Dating apps provide a direct mechanism for feedback through predominantly appearance-based interactions, which are likely to reinforce societal beauty ideals in users (Blake et al., 2022). This is to say, that perceived success on dating apps may act as a feedback loop that informs an individual’s appearance modification attitudes and behaviours, such as body appreciation, weight control behaviours, cosmetic surgery acceptance, and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. For example, if an individual believes that they have high success on dating apps, that may suggest that they are desirable in some manner (Burkhardt et al., 2025) and therefore do not need to further their attempt of appearance modification strategies. However, while perceived success can predict good outcomes, such as body appreciation, broader literature may suggest that this increased focus on appearance and appearance feedback can predict women being more critical of themselves, and in turn can increase maladaptive weight control behaviours such as over exercising and undereating, as well as feelings of shame (Schaefer et al., 2018). Literature suggests that a larger focus on appearance and appearance feedback may lead to self-objectification in women, but possibly not men (Heflick et al., 2011). Therefore, the difference in the role of perceived success as a predictor of body image outcomes between men and women could be partly attributed to gendered societal expectations (Portingale et al., 2022). For women, societal standards often place greater emphasis on physical appearance, and dating apps can reinforce this focus through validation mechanisms such as matches and messages (Sobieraj & Humphreys, 2022). As a result, women may be more sensitive to feedback on their appearance, making perceived success a consistent predictor of body image outcomes. Cultivation Theory provides a useful framework for understanding this phenomenon. According to Cultivation Theory, prolonged exposure to media that emphasises physical appearance, may lead men to overestimate the significance of appearance in real-world social interactions (Swami, 2013). In turn, this heightened focus on physical appearance makes men more vulnerable to body image concerns (Swami et al., 2008).

As dating apps gain popularity and become increasingly prevalent among young adults, it is essential for dating app users to be aware that these platforms may contribute to diverse body image concerns. The current study found significant relationships between dating app use and body image outcomes, which supports existing literature highlighting that dating app users often report lower satisfaction of their facial and body appearance, as well as higher levels of internalisation, appearance comparison, and body shame compared to non-users (Strubel & Petrie, 2017). These effects, however, appear to manifest differently across genders. Women, who often experience heightened societal pressures regarding physical appearance, may be particularly vulnerable to negative body image outcomes due to the validation mechanisms embedded within dating apps, such as matches and messages reinforcing beauty ideals. Meanwhile, men’s experiences with body image may be influenced by pressures related to muscularity and attractiveness, with app engagement amplifying these concerns through competition and exposure to idealized male physiques (Blake et al., 2022).

Research of interventions specifically addressing the psychological impacts of dating app use is limited, as current interventions predominantly focus on issues such as dating violence and interactions between users, rather on individual psychological outcomes (Sangwon Lee, 2023). This gap in the literature underscores the necessity for targeted media literacy interventions aimed at mitigating potential negative effects of dating apps, particularly by addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities. One potential intervention could involve providing educational resources tailored to both men and women before they engage with dating apps. This resource would inform users of potential risks and promote a more critical and informed approach to their app usage. Wong et al. (2020) found a web-based intervention effectively improved self-efficacy in young adult dating app users, which could be adapted to address body image outcomes. Enhancing media literacy in this manner could enable users to better analyse, assess, and understand their dating app experiences and the associated implications.

This study enhances the understanding of the relationship between dating app use and body image outcomes, including appearance-based rejection sensitivity, body appreciation, unhealthy weight control behaviours and acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Notably, it extends previous research by incorporating both genders and multiple dating platforms, offering a broader perspective on how dating apps influence body image. Prior studies often focused on a single platform (e.g., Tinder) and predominantly examined women, limiting the generalizability of their findings. By examining gender differences, the present study highlights distinct patterns, such as the stronger link between perceived success and body image outcomes for women, while men’s body appreciation was more associated with specific engagement behaviours rather than overall frequency of use. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how dating apps shape body image perceptions differently for men and women. Additionally, the present study explored various aspects of dating app usage and behaviours, rather than only assessing time spent on dating apps, hence finding associations with specific usage and behaviour.

The present study is however subject to several limitations. Due to the correlational design, the results were unable to indicate casual inferences for whether dating app use directly increases or decreases appearance-based rejection sensitivity, body appreciation, weight control behaviours, and cosmetic surgery acceptance (Walker, 2005). Therefore, the results only indicate associations between dating app use and body image outcome variables, without elucidating direction of causality (Asamoah, 2014). Future research should incorporate experimental and longitudinal methodologies to better understand these dynamics. Longitudinal studies could provide insights into the temporal relationships and causal pathways between dating app use and cosmetic surgery, while experimental designs could help control for confounding variables and establish clearer cause-effect relationships (Pan et al., 2018; Walker, 2005). Moreover, a single-item measure was used to assess the frequency of dating app use due to the absence of a validated psychometric scale. Single-item measures are susceptible to higher levels of bias and measurement error, and typically have lower reliability compared to multi-item scales (Allen et al., 2022). The development and validation of a comprehensive psychometric scale for dating app use is recommended for future studies to improve measurement accuracy and reliability.

The present study recruited a relatively small sample size and there was a disproportion of women relative to men recruited. While our aim was to include an equivalent proportion of participants across genders to capture a more balanced perspective, the imbalance reflects patterns seen in prior research and in dating app usage and cosmetic surgery pursuit. As such, the present findings serve as a valuable foundation for future studies, but future researchers should aim to confirm and extend these findings with larger and more diverse samples. Likewise, the disproportion of heterosexual participants relative to sexual minority participants limited our ability to explore potential differences between sexual orientation which could be explored in future research. We also did not collect demographic data pertaining to race or ethnicity, student status, or disability information which could each be explored in future research. Finally, it should be noted that while we reported BMI as a descriptive indication of participant health, this was determined via self-reported height and weight which may be misleading or inaccurate given that BMI is a poorer, indirect measure of body composition that does not differentiate between the ratio of fat to lean body mass (Müller et al., 2016).

As modern technology continues to advance, the prevalence of dating apps is anticipated to grow, solidifying their role as a primary tool for forming connections. It is essential for users to be mindful of the potential negative implications for body image associated with these platforms. The rising popularity of dating apps highlights the need for interventions that extend beyond addressing relationship violence to include strategies for mitigating psychological risks. Given the concurrent increase in body image concerns and cosmetic surgery, it is vital for individuals to critically evaluate their motivations, and the potential risks associated with these interventions and behaviours. The findings of this study suggest that men and women may experience these effects differently, with women exhibiting greater sensitivity to appearance-based validation and societal beauty standards, while men’s body image concerns may be influenced more by engagement behaviours and perceived success. Further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of the broader implications of dating app use and to identify specific factors contributing to heightened body dissatisfaction among users.

Supplemental Material

Supplemental Material - From matches to mirrors: An exploration of men’s and women’s experiences of dating apps and body image outcomes

Supplemental Material for From matches to mirrors: An exploration of men’s and women’s experiences of dating apps and body image outcomes by Georgia Cuthill, John Mingoia, Lauren Conboy, Brianna Le Busque in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Footnotes

Author contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by all authors. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Georgia Cuthill, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read, edited, and approved the final manuscript.

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Open research statement

As part of IARR’s encouragement of open research practices, the authors have provided the following information: This research was not pre-registered. The data used in the research are available. The data can be obtained by emailing: john.mingoia@unisa.edu.au. The materials used in the research are not available.

Ethical considerations

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia (Protocol: 206279).

Consent to participate

Written, informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Consent for publication

The present manuscript does not include any individual person’s data in any form including individual details, images, or videos.

ORCID iDs

Georgia Cuthill

John Mingoia

Lauren Conboy

Brianna Le Busque

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.*

Supplemental Material

Supplemental material for this article is available online.

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