65% Of Dating App Users Are Married Or In A Relationship, According To A Recent Study

The rising popularity of dating apps is a phenomenon that has reshaped the way people connect, date, and even establish long-term relationships. Over the last several years, these platforms have transitioned from a niche service to a mainstream tool used by millions worldwide. According to a report by Statista, as of 2021, approximately 44.2 million U.S. citizens have used or are currently using online dating websites or apps, and the number is steadily growing. Globally, this figure reaches into the hundreds of millions. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid have become household names, and their usage spans across various age groups, orientations, and socio-economic classes.

The reasons behind this surge in popularity are multifaceted. In a fast-paced world, traditional dating can often be portrayed as time-consuming and inefficient. Dating apps offer convenience, accessibility, and a platform where individuals can filter potential matches based on preferences and shared interests. This digital approach to dating aligns well with modern lifestyles, where smartphones and online connectivity are integral parts of daily life. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the trend, as lockdowns and social distancing measures limited traditional dating avenues. Virtual connections became a safe and viable alternative, leading to an increase in app usage. Many platforms adapted by introducing features such as video calling, facilitating virtual dates, and giving users new ways to connect from the safety of their homes. But are dating apps really all they're cracked up to be?

Relationship Expert Explains Why Dating Apps Are Detrimental

In terms of demographic trends, younger generations have embraced dating apps more quickly because smartphones have been part of their lifestyle throughout their youth. But retired marriage counselor Dr. Taylor Burrowes shares four reasons why dating apps should be banned in her "vetting system," which helps single people find the right partner for them without wading through the toxic experiences.

"[Dating apps] have an implicit value system and expectation that you use them for simultaneously dating multiple people at one time," Dr. Burrowes said in a video. "This is a polyamorous lifestyle."

If you're someone who is looking for a longterm, monogamous relationship, a dating app will directly counter what it is you're looking for. Besides, the whole purpose of the dating apps is to keep people on the app and keep them single, "not to give them successful matches and successful relationships." Dr. Burrowes points out that the creators of these apps want you to continuously scroll through all the options and keep coming back for more dates.

Additionally, the dating apps are "populated with some of the unhealthiest people you can find." Dr. Burrowes lists off some of the characteristics you'll find in people on dating apps: unresolved trauma, insecure attachments, mental illness, emotional immaturity, volatility, and much more. She says they're a "low return on investment."

Another concerning fact about dating apps is that the majority of the people on there are already in a relationship. A study analyzing satisfaction levels with Tinder and its resulting offline dates surveyed 1,387 adult users. Using a machine learning model to rank predictors, it found that the mean satisfaction with Tinder use (STU) score was 2.39 on a 4-point scale, and satisfaction with Tinder offline dates (STOD) was 3.05 on a 5-point scale. The study discovered that age and motives for using Tinder, such as emotional coping, socialization, seeking true love, or casual sexual partners, strongly predicted satisfaction levels. Conversely, variables tied to psychopathology were negatively associated with satisfaction. Surprisingly, 65.3% of app users were found to be married or in a relationship, and only 50.3% were using the app to meet someone offline. Those who used the app to cope with personal difficulties were more likely to report dissatisfaction. This outcome suggests that dating apps may be an ineffective coping mechanism, and emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues or pathologies that may prompt their use.

While we have long known about the toxicity found on dating apps, it's still pretty shocking to learn that 65% of people who use these apps are not even single. What's the point of going on these dating apps if you're looking for a real relationship? Perhaps it is time for women to find different ways to find men to date.

"Why jump in a trash pile to find a treasure when you could just go to the storefront?" Dr. Burrowes asks. Rather than sifting through the used goods of other people's boyfriends or husbands, you can set yourself up for success and put energy and effort into finding a man who will actually want to be with you longterm.

A 2021 study by Pew Research Center found that 48% of female dating app users under the age of 35 reported receiving sexually explicit images they did not ask for. The same study revealed that 46% of women encountered someone continuing to contact them after expressing disinterest. Dating apps have also become a breeding ground for various types of fraud. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recorded losses of $201 million to romance scams, with women twice as likely as men to lose money in such schemes. Many of these scams originate on dating platforms. Meeting strangers through dating apps can also lead to potential safety risks. According to a 2019 report by ProPublica, over 150 incidents of sexual assault were connected to dating apps over a period of 10 years. The victims were primarily women, and the report highlighted how some platforms failed to screen users against criminal databases effectively.

While dating apps facilitate connections, they can also contribute to superficial relationships. The ease with which users can swipe left or right may lead to a lack of investment in relationships and an increased focus on quantity over quality. This can affect long-term relationship satisfaction, particularly for women, who often seek deeper emotional connections. Get off the apps, ladies, and get out there to find men in real life. It may be more difficult at first to meet people, but at least you know you'll be avoiding a whole host of problems that come from dating apps and make finding love messy and miserable.

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