Attachment Styles and Dating App Use

Abstract: Dating apps have become an increasingly prominent context for romantic and sexual interactions, and their use has attracted growing research attention in scientific literature. In light of this, the present systematic review investigated the association between adult attachment styles and dating app use. Following the updated 2020 PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across three electronic scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO), resulting in eight peer-reviewed empirical studies that met the inclusion criteria. Across the eight studies, anxious attachment was consistently associated with more frequent dating app use, emotionally driven motives (e.g., connection, self-esteem), and higher levels of engagement in problematic dating app use. In contrast, findings on avoidant attachment were mixed: while some studies reported lower use and interest in dating apps, others showed positive associations with specific motives such as escapism, self-regulation, or instrumental interaction. In some cases, avoidant attachment was also associated with problematic use. Secure attachment appeared to be associated with a more regulated, intentional use. These findings support the relevance of attachment theory in understanding online relational behaviors and highlight implications for clinical interventions targeting emotionally dysregulated dating app use.