Why Do We Swipe on Tinder? Psychological Correlates of Tinder Use

Abstract

Using apps like Tinder is becoming increasingly popular, especially among youth. Although there is an increase in Tinder use, only a few studies have addressed the motives for using Tinder and the problematic use of Tinder. This study aims to examine the frequency of use and motives for the use of Tinder among young people and to examine the predictors of problematic use of Tinder. The research was conducted online, and the following measuring instruments were used: Tinder Use Motivation Scale, Problematic Tinder Use Scale and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale. Participants (N = 191; F = 75.3%; Mage = 23.14, SDage = 2.779) stated that their most common reason for using Tinder is boredom, looking for an intimate partner, looking for a sexual partner, and finally improving self-esteem. The results on this sample show that women spend more time on Tinder than men, and men are more likely to look for a sexual partner than women. Participants who express a higher level of need for relatedness frustration, use Tinder to find an intimate partner or raise self-confidence, access it more frequently and spend more time on Tinder, show a higher level of problematic use of Tinder.