Eight in ten Americans ‘burnt out’ with dating apps, according to new research

SWNS
·3 min read

The survey of 1,000 Americans who have used a dating app at least once in the past year found that 78% of those polled feel fatigued with the dating app world sometimes, often or always.

Interestingly, women feel more burnt out than men, with 80% reporting feeling some level of burnout compared to 74% of males.

Younger generations are also feeling the burn the most, as Gen Z respondents were the most likely to “always” feel some level of dating app exhaustion.

The poll by Forbes Health found that dating apps are a veritable minefield for single Americans looking for the real deal.

According to the results, one in five (21%) adults polled claimed to lie about their age, with men (23%) being even more likely to tweak their numbers than women (19%).

Many Americans who have used a dating app at least once in the past year feel fatigued with the dating app world sometimes, often or always. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Many Americans who have used a dating app at least once in the past year feel fatigued with the dating app world sometimes, often or always. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Other reported fibs involve income (14%), as well as hobbies and interests (14%). Adding to that dishonesty, 13% admitted to lying about their employment, dating history and even current relationship status.

Just 12% overall claim they lie about their height—15% of males and 11% of females — contradicting a common stereotype that men only tend to falsify this information.

Could overuse be a potential burnout culprit?

The research found that the average dating app user spends 51 minutes per day swiping through potential partners, with women spending slightly more time than men.

The study found that many users lie about their physical features, hobbies and interests on dating apps. ChayTee – stock.adobe.com
The study found that many users lie about their physical features, hobbies and interests on dating apps. ChayTee – stock.adobe.com

Millennials lead the charge among the generations, spending the most time per day on the apps (56 minutes), with the average baby boomer spending the least (37 minutes.)

“People who experience burnout with dating apps are exhausted from constantly meeting new people, failing opportunities and lies,” says Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., a certified sex therapist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “Over time, the unfortunate misgivings of being on a dating app can cause someone to lose hope in the dating process and finding the right person.”

A good rule of thumb?

As with many things, use dating apps in moderation. “If it’s taking you away from other meaningful activities in your life, or you find that you can’t stop and constantly think about using the app when you’re not using it, then those might be signs of problems,” Judy Ho, Ph.D., a triple board-certified and licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member based in Manhattan Beach, California.

Millennials lead the charge among the generations, spending the most time per day on the apps. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Millennials lead the charge among the generations, spending the most time per day on the apps. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Keeping moderation in mind, dating app users can maximize their experience by having a couple of go-to strategies in their back pocket to assist in making a quality first impression.

Leading with a compliment may be a great conversation starter, as 27% of our survey respondents say they start there.

Twenty-six percent of respondents take another route, claiming they tailor their first communication based on another user’s profile.

Alternatively, nearly one in five (19%) said they recycle a rotation of conversation starters used with various users—and just 13% revealed pickup lines are their go-to strategy.

Twenty-six percent of respondents take another route, claiming they tailor their first communication based on another user’s profile. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
Twenty-six percent of respondents take another route, claiming they tailor their first communication based on another user’s profile. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com

The survey also explored which apps reign supreme in the world of dating and found a familiar name still at the top of the ranks: Tinder is still by and large the most-used app, with 49% of respondents saying they’ve used it within the past year.

Following that, Plenty of Fish was in second place (38%), with Bumble rounding out the top three (29%).

Most popular dating apps

  • Tinder (49%)

  • Plenty of Fish (38%)

  • Bumble (29%)

  • eharmony (21%)

  • OkCupid (17%)

  • Hinge (17%)

  • Christian Mingle (15%)

  • Grindr (13%)

  • HER (10%)

  • Coffee Meets Bagel (9%)

  • Raya (3%)

Methodology:

This online survey of 1,000 Americans who have used a dating app within the past year was commissioned by Forbes Health and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from March 27 to April 1, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 points with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the MRS and has corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).