Dating apps and their relationship with body image, mental health and wellbeing: A systematic review

Online dating is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many single individuals opting to use dating applications (apps) to find a romantic partner. Recent research has shed light on the potential harmful relationships that mobile dating services can have on body image, mental health and wellbeing. This systematic review aimed to determine the impacts of dating app use on these outcomes. Six online databases were searched (PsycINFO, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science), and studies were eligible if they examined the impacts of dating apps on outcomes related to body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction, muscle dissatisfaction, eating disorders), mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety) or well-being (e.g., mood, self-esteem). A total of 45 studies were included in this review. Studies were published between 2016 and 2023, with 48.9% (n = 22) reporting on body image outcomes, and 64.4% (n = 29) reporting on mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Over 85% (n = 19) of studies reported a significant negative impact of dating app use on body image, and 48.6% (n = 14) of studies reported significant negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. This review indicates that dating apps have potentially harmful effects on the body image, mental health and wellbeing of their users. As such, there is considerable scope to improve the design of such apps to attenuate their harmful effects.