A study by The University of Texas (2016) found that dating app users report lower self-esteem and lower psychosocial well-being than non-users, potentially due to the increased experience of rejection.
Do dating apps devalue human connection?
The answer: yes and no. To start with, yes, dating apps most certainly help with growing the sheer volume of possible connections. Without a doubt, they give a person access to far more potential love interests than before. In fact, its quite the opposite: More matches often lead to poorer in-person meetings.
Why are dating apps depressing?
As people spend more and more time online looking for love, they also become more likely to experience depression and anxiety. For dating apps in particular, the simple fact that you are evaluating other peoples profiles can impact self-esteem and confidence, and make users feel objectified.