Dating App Users Linked to Increased Rates of Cosmetic Surgery and Body Dissatisfaction
The visual nature of dating apps is leading to an increase in cosmetic surgery among women in hopes of attracting a partner.
While older couples reminisce about meeting at dance halls and forming relationships based on mutual connection, modern dating is heavily influenced by physical appearance. Many dating apps operate on a rapid swiping system based on a potential suitor’s photo, allowing for quick judgments that can determine a person’s value in just seconds.
Research conducted by the University of South Australia indicates that 20 percent of women using online dating apps have turned to dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections to alter their appearance.
According to Naomi Burkhardt, a UniSA Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) graduate, the visual-centric nature of online dating is placing a significant burden on individuals’ appearances, leading to a rise in cosmetic procedures and body image concerns among single women.
A study of 308 Australian women, ranging from 18 to 72 years old, found that almost half had used dating apps in the past two years, with one in five reporting undergoing at least one cosmetic procedure. Additionally, researchers discovered a correlation between dating app usage and increased rates of eating disorders, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Changing Face of Dating
Data from Stanford University in the U.S. highlights the evolution of the dating landscape. In 1995, only two percent of heterosexual couples were meeting online, while traditional methods like meeting through mutual friends, at bars, workplaces, educational institutions, and family connections prevailed. By 2017, online dating had surged to 39 percent, surpassing traditional introductions.
Internet dating provider eHarmony predicts that by 2040, 70 percent of relationships will start online. While some studies suggest a shift in younger adults’ approach to relationships, emphasizing integration into friendship circles over family approval.
To address the pressure on appearance in online dating, suggestions include incorporating algorithm-based personality matching and self-compassion exercises to lessen the focus on physical looks.
