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The Impact of Dating Apps on Young Adults: Evidence from Tinder

Author

Listed:
  • Berkeren Büyükeren
  • Alexey Makarin
  • Heyu Xiong

Abstract

Online dating apps have transformed the dating market, yet their broader effects remain unclear. We study Tinder's impact on college students using its initial marketing focus on Greek organizations for identification. We show that the full-scale launch of Tinder led to a sharp, persistent increase in sexual activity, but with little corresponding impact on the formation of long-term relationships or relationship quality. Dating outcome inequality, especially among men, rose, alongside rates of sexual assault and STDs. However, despite these changes, Tinder's introduction did not worsen students' mental health on average and may have even led to improvements for female students.

Suggested Citation

  • Berkeren Büyükeren & Alexey Makarin & Heyu Xiong, 2026. "The Impact of Dating Apps on Young Adults: Evidence from Tinder," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 18(2), pages 61-106, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:18:y:2026:i:2:p:61-106
    DOI: 10.1257/app.20240455
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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