Dating application use and its association with sexual risk behavior and psychological well-being among emerging adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Online dating applications (ODAs) have become a common means of romantic and sexual partner formation among emerging adults aged 18–29 years raising concerns about their associations with sexual risk behaviors, and with psychological wellbeing (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness, and self-esteem). Findings to date are inconsistent, and no comprehensive synthesis has jointly examined sexual and psychological outcomes in this developmental period. This review synthesizes the evidence on the associations of ODA use with sexual risk behaviors and psychological well-being among emerging adults and identify the demographic and psychological moderators and evidence gaps. We will conduct a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL. Google Scholar will be utilized for citation tracking and grey literature, the WHO Global Index Medicus, and IndMED will be searched to capture theses and South Asian regional evidence. Only English language original quantitative research published from 2009 onwards will be included, and database searches will be updated prior to final manuscript submission to capture the most recent evidence. Screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment will be conducted independently by the primary reviewer and the second reviewer, with any inconsistencies addressed through discussion with a third reviewer. Meta-analyses will be conducted using random-effects models, with heterogeneity quantified using I 2 and τ 2 , and planned subgroup analyses and meta-regression will examine demographic, behavioral, and psychological moderators. Studies will not be pooled when substantial clinical or methodological heterogeneity precludes meaningful quantitative synthesis; where quantitative pooling is inappropriate or not feasible, findings will be synthesized narratively. This review will synthesize evidence on the associations between online dating app uses, sexual risk behavior and psychological well-being among emerging adults across available geographic regions where data permit. The findings may inform future research, digital sexual health interventions, mental health practice, and policy discussions regarding the responsible design of dating platforms. PROSPERO CRD420261335716.