Swipe, Match, Ego Boost: The Surprising Motivations of Tinder Culture
/Swipe Right, Swipe Left: Decoding the Tinder Matrix
Tinder is a popular mobile dating app that allows users to browse and connect with potential matches in their geographical area. Users employ a simple swiping mechanism, where they can swipe right if interested in someone or left if they are not. If both users independently swipe right on each other’s profiles, it creates a match, 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 asserts otherwise. In fact, a 2017 study (Timmermans & De Caluwé, 2017) found that casual sex is actually among the least common motives for Tinder use! Does that mean that people are shifting away from using Tinder for casual sex in favour of finding “the one”? Maybe so. But even more interesting, much of the motivation for Tinder use appears to be completely unrelated to dating and sexual activity at all! Indeed, only a third of app users (Fowler & Both, 2020) report engaging in sexual activity with someone they had matched with on Tinder. That's right: the world's biggest ‘hookup app’ may not just be about hooking up.
The Tinder Effect: Boosting Egos and Breaking Hearts!
More often than you think, Tinder is used to fulfill more general social needs like self-validation and positive feedback. More and more research recognizes non-sexual motives in dating app use, such as entertainment seeking, ego-boosting, and self-worth validation (Timmermans & De Caluwé, 2017; Van De Wiele & Tong, 2014). Indeed, users commonly report using Tinder mostly because they wanted to receive positive feedback associated with 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 trendiness and excitement of Tinder were even larger drivers of its use than motivations relating to its commonly perceived purpose: dating and sex. In a 2016 study interviewing 21 Tinder users, all but two described their use of the app for entertainment or an ego-boost (Ward, 2016). Getting an ego-boost may sound silly or shallow, but apparently, many of us have self-worth needs to fulfill!
Tinder can help to fulfill self-worth needs, such as receiving matches, a compliment in chats, or getting a SuperLike – these are all possible forms of getting an ego boost. Further, the large population of diverse users greatly increases the odds of expanding your social landscape compared to going to your 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 much potential 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 internet dating app may have consequences. Rejection, lack of matches, or negative interactions on the platform can lead to feelings of insecurity or decreased self-esteem. Additionally, relying solely on external validation from a dating app may not lead to sustained feelings of self-worth, as it's crucial to have a balanced and healthy self-perception that goes beyond external validation. Individuals may overweigh the importance of a simplistic profile image, compared to deeper and more complex relationship attributes such as empathy, caring, respect, trust, loyalty and mutual goals and values. So, swipe or don’t swipe, it’s up to you, but be mindful of your emotions and the role that platforms like Tinder play in your life. It's essential to prioritize genuine connections, self-worth, and sexual self-efficacy that extends beyond the online realm.
Finnoula O'Neill-King, 4th year BSc Psychology, Queen's University
References
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