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.