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Dating apps and marriage rates

Author

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  • Jung, Sunmi
  • Lusher, Lester

Abstract

We estimate how the diffusion of the dating app Tinder affected marriage outcomes in the United States. Using Google search intensity for “Tinder” as a proxy for platform exposure and individual-level data from the Current Population Survey, we estimate event-study specifications for adults aged 21–35. We find no effect on overall marriage rates or the timing of first marriage. However, Tinder exposure is associated with higher divorce or separation rates, particularly at younger ages. Marriage effects emerge in male-heavy and thin dating markets, suggesting that dating apps primarily ease matching frictions rather than increasing aggregate marriage formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung, Sunmi & Lusher, Lester, 2026. "Dating apps and marriage rates," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:262:y:2026:i:c:s0165176526000674
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2026.112873
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    Cited by:

    1. Yujung Hwang & Áureo de Paula & Fangzhu Yang, 2026. "The rise of online dating and heterogamous marriages," IFS Working Papers W26/37, Institute for Fiscal Studies.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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