A recent meta-synthesis study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships challenges the reductive view that people use dating apps solely to find love or hook up. By combining insights from 21 qualitative studies across multiple countries, the authors paint a more intricate picture of why people engage with dating platforms – highlighting motivations often omitted in traditional survey research.
The research team, led by Jenna L. McPherson and Rachael D. Robnett, conducted a systematic review of qualitative works published in English and Spanish. From an initial set of more than 7,000 candidate articles, the authors distilled 21 that specifically examined users’ motivations for online dating. Through thematic analysis, they identified eight overarching motive categories: romantic relationships, sexual relationships, socializing, entertainment, self-enhancement, convenience, curiosity, and external influences.
Unsurprisingly, seeking romantic relationships was a dominant thread across nearly all studies with a primary focus on long-term commitment, companionship, or marriage. Sexual motivations also appeared frequently, though not always in the context of casual encounters – some participants were focused on exploring intimacy or desire within existing relationships.
The notable part of this study is the less conventional drivers towards dating app usage. Users described joining or using apps for entertainment (to pass time or relieve stress), socializing (making friends, meeting people while traveling), curiosity, or external influences (such as peer pressure or a breakup). Many also named self-enhancement motives, like seeking confidence, refining flirting skills, or exploring identity.
The study also reveals important variation by demographic group. For example, participants identifying as LGBQT were more likely than heterosexual participants to cite safety, belonging, and convenience as motivating factors. “Dating apps help to circumvent this issue by allowing users to screen dating partners on the basis of sexual identity and other characteristics,” one participant noted. Meanwhile, older adults often leaned toward emotional connection and companionship over sex or esteem-driven motives.
