Designed to be deleted: differential impacts of dating apps on men’s body image, mental health, and wellbeing

Abstract

Recent literature has identified that the use of mobile dating applications may be adversely related to men’s body image, mental health and wellbeing. Variations in the functionality of alternate dating app types may contribute to differential outcomes. This study aimed to compare the relationships between using mainstream or gay dating apps and men’s wellbeing. A survey of Australian men was conducted and assessed body attitudes, disordered eating, mental health, and self-esteem. The sample included 578 males (M = 34.22 years, range 18–69 years). A two-way MANCOVA was conducted to ascertain whether significant differences occurred amongst wellbeing outcomes based on app-type and sexual orientation while controlling for age. There were no significant between-group differences for app-type among depression, stress, disordered eating or self-esteem outcomes. However, differences emerged in anxiety outcomes among men who use different types of mobile dating platforms. Specifically, straight men who used both gay and mainstream dating apps together, and sexual minoirty men who used one app-type exclusively reported significantly increased anxiety symptomology than all other app-type groups. This study is the first to compare users of different app-types and illustrates the connection between dating app use and sexual orientation in men’s mental health and wellbeing.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Psychology and Sexuality, 2026 · DOI ↗