Swipe Right, Swipe Left: Decoding Tinder’s Matrix
Tinder is a popular mobile dating app that allows users to browse and connect with potential matches in their geographic area. Users use a simple swipe mechanism where they can swipe right if they are interested in someone or left if they are not. If both users independently swipe right on each other’s profiles, a match is made and they can then communicate through the app.
Hookup or Hype? The Myth of Tinder’s Casual Culture
Despite the app’s association with “hookup culture” and the common perception that its primary use is to pursue casual sex (Strugo & Muise, 2019), research suggests otherwise. In fact, a 2017 study (Timmermans & De Caluwé, 2017) found that casual sex is actually among minimum common motivations for using Tinder! Does this mean people are moving away from using Tinder for casual sex to find “the one”? Maybe. But even more interestingly, much of the motivation for using Tinder seems to be completely irrelevant in dating and sexual activity at all! Indeed, only one-third of app users (Fowler & Both, 2020) report engaging in sexual activity with someone they matched on Tinder. That’s right: the world’s biggest “hookup app” might not be all about hooking up.
The Tinder Effect: Ego Boost and Heartbreak!
More often than you might think, Tinder is used to meet more general social needs like self-validation and positive feedback. More and more researches recognize non-sexual motivations in using dating apps, such as entertainment seeking, ego boost and self-esteem validation (Timmermans & De Caluwé, 2017; Van De Wiele & Tong, 2014). Indeed, users commonly report using Tinder primarily because they wanted to receive positive feedback related to getting a match. Positive interactions, compliments, and expressions of interest from others on Tinder can serve as positive reinforcement and can contribute to a sense of desirability and attractiveness. Studies (Lefevre, 2017; Sumter et al., 2016) showed that the Tinder fad and excitement was even bigger guides of its use rather than motives related to its commonly perceived purpose: dating and sex. In a 2016 study interviewing 21 Tinder users, all but two described using the app for entertainment or ego stimulation (Ward, 2016). Getting an ego boost may sound silly or shallow, but apparently, many of us have self-esteem needs to fulfill!
Tinder can help fulfill self-esteem needs, such as getting matches, a compliment in conversations, or getting a SuperLike – all of these are potential forms of ego-boosting. Plus, the large population of diverse users greatly increases your chances of expanding your social landscape compared to going to the regular Friday night bar scene! Indeed, the nature of the app, which emphasizes the number of matches and positive engagement with your profile, can serve as a form of social proof. Seeing that others find you interesting or attractive can reinforce a positive self-image.
Tinder Triumphs and Tribulations: Navigating the Swiping Rollercoaster
While Tinder provides many opportunities for self-validation in a digital age, on the other hand, placing too much of our validation and self-worth in the hands of an online dating app can have consequences. Rejection, lack of matches or negative interactions on the platform can lead to feelings of insecurity or low self-esteem. Additionally, relying solely on external validation from a dating app may not lead to lasting feelings of self-worth, as it is important to have a balanced and healthy self-concept that goes beyond external validation. Individuals may overstate the importance of a simplistic profile picture, compared to deeper and more complex relationship characteristics such as empathy, caring, respect, trust, loyalty, and mutual goals and values. Well, to swipe or not to swipe is up to you, but be aware of your feelings and the role that platforms like Tinder play in your life. It’s important to prioritize genuine connections, self-esteem, and sexual self-efficacy that extends beyond the online realm.
Finnoula O’Neill-King, 4th year BSc Psychology, Queen’s University
bibliographical references
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