Using Tinder means you have low self-esteem and body image issues. So that’s great news

People who use the dating app Tinder feel negative about their bodies and male users also have low self-esteem, according to a news study. Now psychologists are warning us, the unsuspecting loveless trolls using Tinder, that the app draws users into a downward spiral of physical comparisons.

Professor Dr Jessica Strübel of the University of North Texas said: “Tinder users reported having lower levels of satisfaction with their faces and bodies and having lower levels of self-worth than the men and women who did not use Tinder.”

The study involved 1,044 women and 273 men undergraduates who completed questionnaires about their Tinder use, body image, perceived objectification and psychological well-being.  A tenth used Tinder and both male and female users reported less satisfaction with their bodies and looks, compared to non-users. Only male Tinder users reported lower levels of self-esteem.

Strübel added: “We found that being actively involved with Tinder, regardless of the user’s gender, was associated with body dissatisfaction, body shame, body monitoring, internalisation of societal expectations of beauty, comparing oneself physically to others, and reliance on media for information on appearance and attractiveness.”

She argued the way people select possible dates means persistent users may begin to feel depersonalised and disposable in their social interactions and develop heightened awareness and criticism of their looks and bodies. They could also believe there is always something better around the corner, or rather with the next swipe of their screen, even while questioning their own worth.

Great, glad I gave you my number then

Professor Strübel said: “This study represents one of the first to examine the connection between Tinder use and men’s and women’s psychosocial functioning. Our findings suggest that being involved with Tinder is associated with decrements in psychosocial functioning and these negative effects exist equally for male and female users.

“The objectifying effects of social media platforms, however, may be more pernicious than those associated with more traditional media outlets for example TV and magazines, because of its round the clock availability and constant scrutiny and evaluation by others.”

However she warned just because users tended to have lower self-esteem, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the app is causing it. Those with lower self-esteem are simply drawn more to these types of apps, she suggested.

Thanks, Jess!