Addiction to Dating Apps? How they can rewire the brain
Published:
Apr 16, 2025
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11:39 a.m.
ET
Key Points
Dating apps use game-like features that keep users engaged
Matching on dating apps can cause spikes in dopamine that support continued use
Unfavorable interactions on dating apps can negatively impact hormone production
Digital addictions are more prevalent today than ever before
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For many years, dating websites and apps have touted messages such as “Designed To Be Deleted.” This messaging is put out into the world with the hopes of drawing in millions of potential users, who are all looking for some kind of interpersonal connection with another. And while many people can use dating apps without experiencing any issues or impacts, there is the potential for dating apps to become addictive.
Can you really get addicted to dating apps?
There are varying opinions on whether or not dating apps can truly be addictive. However, more studies are being conducted to explore the physical, mental and emotional impact that dating apps can have on users.
On Valentines Day 2024, six users filed a lawsuit against some of the most popular dating apps, stating that they are specifically designed with addictive, game-like features that manipulate users into a pay-to-play-like loop. This model of subscription-based dating services forces users to pay for anything outside of the free, but limited, base application. Users can pay to see who has liked their profile, boost their profile for a set amount of time or only view messages from other app users if they pay above a certain level.
Biological Anthropologist Helen Fisher explained that the brain is very vulnerable to addiction, especially when it comes to the feelings associated with romantic love. Dating apps prey on society's vulnerabilities and desire to find meaningful connections and use that to turn a profit on a truly unlimited renewable resource: love. Elias Aboujaoude, professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, explained how getting “likes” and “matches” on dating apps provide users with dopamine rushes or a “high”, which is how an addiction may begin to form.
How dating apps can impact your brain, hormones
Dating apps are not just addictive due to the validation a user may get from positive attention and the associated dopamine rush, as some data also suggests that there can be an aspect of technology or screen addiction that adds to the compulsive nature of dating apps.
The University of Vienna conducted a study that found dating apps can actually cause more harm than good to the emotional state of those using these apps. Dating apps can involve “compulsive swiping” and can increase feelings of self-doubt and anxiety among users. Although dating apps ideally help facilitate human connection, they can often create feelings of loneliness and a fear of being alone.
An individual's mental health may not be the only part of users impacted by dating apps. A study conducted by the Imperial College of Business in London found that dating apps can also have a negative impact on hormonal health. This phenomenon has been named the “dating app” effect, which can cause a severe chemical imbalance that resembles the symptoms of both chronic stress disorders and addiction. Males also may experience changes in their testosterone levels depending on their dating app interactions. While a “like” or match spikes testosterone 15%-20%, being ghosted or rejected can reduce testosterone production by 10%-25%.
Digital addictions in the modern age
Dating apps are not the only digital addiction plaguing society in the modern age. There have been a multitude of discussions regarding the impact that technology has on individuals, especially today’s youth. Some hot topics regarding technology addiction include:
Social Media
Cell Phone Use
Internet Gaming Disorder
Sports Betting
Online Gambling
Online Auctions (Ebay and WhatNot addictions)
Collectibles including Sports Cards
Other topics relating to digital addiction with information and resources:
Treatment for addiction to dating apps
Treating addiction to dating apps can follow a similar path as other behavioral addictions. Behavioral addictions are primarily treated with therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that address negative thoughts and feelings that drive the behaviors an individual wants to change. Other treatment interventions may involve medication if deemed necessary or support groups.
Birches Health offers specialized behavioral addiction treatment with certified counselors. Care is available virtually from the comfort of one's own home. Virtual therapy provided by Birches allows individuals to access support for dating app addiction anytime, anywhere. To learn more about Birches and speak to a care coordinator you can:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
