This mixed-methods doctoral dissertation examines the well-being and relationship attitudes of dating application users. It addresses a growing national concern regarding the well-being of dating app users and explores how well-being and ill-being are associated with individuals' willingness and readiness to form romantic and sexual partnerships in the context of dating app use.
Motivation
An increasing number of couples in Finland meet their romantic and sexual partners online. Despite this trend, relatively little research has examined the effects of dating application use on users' well-being and interpersonal relationships, and Finnish longitudinal research on the topic remains scarce. International evidence suggests that the effects of dating app use are complex and not uniformly positive or negative. In empirical research, active use has been associated with body image concerns, psychological strain, dating anxiety, compulsive dating app use, loneliness, and even hostility toward other users. At the same time, dating applications may foster a sense of belonging and expand romantic opportunities, particularly among groups whose dating opportunities are otherwise constrained due to factors such as geographical location or sexual orientation. This dissertation responds to these conflicting findings by providing the first Finnish longitudinal study on the associations between dating app use and psychosocial well-being, while also deepening understanding of users' experiences through qualitative methods.
The main research questions are:
1. How is dating application use associated with users' psychosocial well-being and relationship attitudes?
2. What effects do users themselves describe dating application use as having on their well-being and romantic opportunities?
Theoretical Framework
The study draws on Self-Determination Theory and a social psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of social relationships and experiences of belonging for human well-being. According to this perspective, the absence of close relationships or challenges related to them may negatively affect an individual's psychosocial well-being.
The study utilizes two survey datasets and qualitative interview data. The first dataset, Self & Technology EU-6, covers four waves and six countries (2022-2025: Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland). The second dataset, Self & Technology GE-6, covers a 2024 sample from six countries (Australia, Brazil, Japan, Portugal, South Africa, and the United States). In addition, the study includes 50 semi-structured interviews conducted in Finland. The mixed-methods PhD project combines longitudinal regression analyses, moderation analyses, and reflexive thematic analysis.
The findings may provide an evidence base for developing recommendations related to dating app use and contribute to a better understanding of how digital partner seeking, mental health, and interpersonal relationships are interconnected in contemporary society.
Funding source
Juho Vainion säätiö ja Suomen Kulttuurirahasto