People Use Dating Apps For More Than Just Love Or Hookups

Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Rachel Hall

Why People Use Dating Apps: Study Finds It’s Not Just for Love or Hookups — Motivation, Companionship, Belonging & More

Dating apps have revolutionised how we connect, date, and even make friends. But if you think they’re just for love or hookups, think again. A comprehensive study conducted by McPherson and Robnett has unearthed powerful new insights into why people use dating apps today. This research doesn’t just scratch the surface — it goes deep into human behaviour, revealing that the user experience is driven by far more complex motives than just the search for casual flings.

Drawing on a meta-synthesis of 21 qualitative studies, the study finds that dating apps are used for at least eight distinct categories of motivation — including emotional companionship, personal growth, and even a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups such as older adults and LGBTQ+ communities seeking safety in the online dating space.

Let’s unpack this evolving landscape and explore why millions are turning to these apps for far more than just romance.

The Study That Reframed Online Dating Forever

Until recently, most survey research on dating app usage was structured around limited multiple-choice questions that didn’t allow for nuance. But the study by McPherson and Robnett, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, took a different approach.

By reviewing over 7,000 articles and conducting a meta-synthesis of 21 qualitative studies across different countries, they gained unprecedented insight into why people use dating apps. The study finds that only a fraction of users are motivated solely by romantic or sexual goals.

Instead, the researchers identified eight broad categories of motivation, shaped by emotional, psychological, and practical needs.

The 8 Real Reasons People Use Dating Apps

Let’s dive into each category — from the obvious to the overlooked — and explore what they mean for the modern user.

1. Romantic Relationships — Still Important, But Not the Whole Story

Despite the expansion of use cases, many people still turn to dating apps to find love. The desire for romance, marriage, and emotional connection remains strong. However, the notion that apps are just about finding “the one” is increasingly outdated.

This motive reflects a traditional need, but even here, users vary widely in their expectations — from long-term partners to ethical non-monogamy. Love, while present, is just one part of the puzzle.

2. Sexual Exploration — Not Just Casual Hookups

Yes, sex is a motivation, but not always in the way you’d think. For some, dating apps offer a private, low-pressure space to explore desire. This could include navigating one’s sexuality, rekindling intimacy with a partner, or experiencing safe experimentation.

While casual connections remain common, this category also includes more complex sexual goals like self-discovery or regaining confidence after trauma.

3. Socialising and Making New Friends

In our increasingly digital world, apps have become a new way to socialise and meet new people. Many use apps to find a friend, travel companion, or someone to chat with during lonely evenings.

Especially in urban areas or during transitions (like university or moving cities), users turn to apps for community — a more flexible, fluid version of connection than traditional dating.

4. Entertainment — Swiping Just for Fun

This is one of the most underestimated motivators: entertainment. Some users open apps not to find a date, but to kill time, relieve stress, or simply enjoy the dopamine rush of a new match.

Think of it like a game — playful, low-stakes, and rewarding in its own way. It’s especially popular among younger demographics, who may not be actively seeking relationships but enjoy the thrill of digital attention.

5. Self-Enhancement — Building Confidence and Flirting Skills

For some, dating apps serve as a tool for self-enhancement. This may involve practising conversation starters, improving one’s flirting skills, or boosting confidence through validation and attention.

It’s not about being dishonest; it’s about personal development. Whether post-breakup or after a rough patch in life, apps provide a platform for users to rebuild their sense of self-worth.

6. Convenience — Modern Problems, Modern Solutions

In a fast-paced world, convenience is key. Dating apps let users connect without scheduling nights out or attending events. You can swipe while commuting, working late, or lounging at home.

Compared to the complexities of traditional dating, apps offer a streamlined way to meet people — especially for professionals, parents, and those with irregular schedules.

7. Curiosity — “What If?” and FOMO

Many users don’t have a specific goal when they download a dating app. They’re driven by curiosity — wondering who’s out there, exploring options, or just satisfying their own personal intrigue.

This motive is often tied to major life transitions like moving, divorce, or simply feeling left out as friends talk about their online dating adventures.

8. External Influences — Friends, Trends, and Algorithms

Some people use apps because someone else told them to — be it a friend, an ex, or even a therapist. Others download apps to promote a service, network professionally, or just follow social trends.

These external factors may seem secondary, but they significantly impact user behaviour and expectations. For instance, peer pressure can lead to app downloads even when there’s no romantic intent.

LGBTQ+ and Older Adults: Belonging and Safety

Two groups whose experiences often go underreported in research are older adults and LGBTQ+ users. For them, the motivation to use dating apps is often driven by safety, belonging, and access to a community that might not exist offline.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals cite safety as a core reason for using apps. In countries or towns where discrimination is still rampant, dating apps offer a controlled environment to socialise, connect, and express identity.

For older adults, apps provide renewed access to companionship, especially after life changes such as retirement, divorce, or bereavement. These users aren’t always seeking romance or sex, but meaningful human connection — something the modern dating landscape doesn’t always accommodate.

Busting Stereotypes: Dating Apps Are More Than Meets the Eye

Too often, the media portrays dating apps as superficial platforms focused solely on swiping for love or hookups. This stereotype doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

The actual research — including the work of McPherson and Robnett — reveals diverse and nuanced usage. The participant responses in these studies paint a richer picture, where apps are tools for healing, growing, exploring, and connecting — not just dating.

The identified eight categories demonstrate that the world of online dating is more human than algorithmic.

What This Means for Developers and Users

If you’re a dating app user, knowing these categories can help clarify your intentions. Are you here for a friend? A partner? A pick-me-up? That self-awareness can lead to more honest interactions and better matches.

For developers, this research is a call to action. Apps should go beyond “Looking for: Relationship or Something Casual?” and integrate features that reflect real-world motives — such as interest-based chatrooms, safe LGBTQ+ spaces, or mood-based filters.

Apps that focus on holistic human needs — not just romance and sex — will likely see higher engagement and user retention.

Conclusion: People Use Dating Apps for All the Right Reasons

The next time someone assumes you’re on a dating app for love or hookups, you’ll know better. You could be seeking a friend, exploring your identity, recovering after heartbreak, or just having a bit of fun during your lunch break.

We now know from survey research, real-world experiences, and a landmark meta-synthesis that human relationships are multifaceted — and so are the tools we use to form them.

So whether you’re swiping for companionship, connection, or curiosity, your reason is valid. Just like you.