Digital dating engagement among young users: gender differences in Tinder use motivations and associations with sexual desire but not self-esteem

These findings highlight sexual desire and relational motivations as central components of Tinder engagement among young adults. The absence of a significant link with self-esteem challenges prior assumptions and underlines the need for more nuanced, longitudinal research. By clarifying behavioral patterns and psychological correlates of dating application use, this study contributes to the growing field of digital relationship research. It also offers insights relevant to mental health support, user education, and platform design.