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

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Buyukeren, Berkeren; Makarin, Alexey; Xiong, Heyu
• 署名单位: Luiss Guido Carli University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK; University System of Ohio; Case Western Reserve University
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-APPLIED ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7782
• DOI: 10.1257/app.20240455
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: gender-differences; mate selection; online; preferences; internet

摘要

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. (JEL I12, I23, J13, J16, L86)