Dating apps may not be the end of monogamous long-term relationships, researchers have revealed, after the majority of surveyed users flagged finding love as their main motivation for using the technology.
The University of Sydney’s Mitchell Hobbs conducted a study, published in the Journal of Sociology, that looked at the online dating habits of 365 people, most of whom were aged below 30.
The study examined the impact dating services like Tinder, OKCupid and Grindr had on courtship practices and people’s desires and expectations within relationships.
Dr Hobbs said contrary to popular belief, dating applications were not creating a “hook-up” culture — but were instead facilitating dating for people in “thin markets” such as those aged in their 30s.
“There had been a little bit of hype in certain media outlets that was a little bit sensational regarding how it was depicting this technology as the death of romance,” Dr Hobbs said.
“Most people are not using the technology merely for increased sexual promiscuity, but are in fact seeking to find a potential longer-term partner.”
According to the research, 55 per cent used the apps for finding dates and 8 per cent signed up to find non-sexual friends.
“I think the technology enhances the likelihood that they would find a likeminded individual,” Dr Hobbs said.
“It takes some of the emotional anxiety out of the experience by making it a very tactile game.”