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Tune in to a conversation with women over 25 (and sometimes younger), and you’re likely to hear two things come up: dating and cosmetic procedures. Maybe you think these two topics don’t have much in common, but they’re more connected than you’d think.
It’s not news, but dating apps have totally changed the game when it comes to meeting people. With apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge drawing in over 323 million users worldwide, these platforms are essentially the only place we head to for romantic connection (honestly, when was the last time your friend met someone at a bar?).
But there’s a not-so-fun side effect popping up: the pressure to look picture-perfect is driving an increasing number of people, especially women, to go under the knife (or the needle).
A study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) recently revealed that this visual, swipe-right-for-love world we’re living in plays a significant role in why more women are opting for things like Botox, dermal fillers and other enhancements. The study shows that dating app users are far more likely to have a positive outlook on cosmetic surgery compared to those who don’t use these platforms.
So why is that? Naomi Burkhardt, the study’s lead researcher, explains it best. "The visual nature of dating apps, which prioritise photo-based profiles, places significant pressure on users to present themselves in an idealised matter which is not genuine." In other words, we’re out here asking ourselves “How do I look” instead of “Who am I.” It’s all about presenting a certain way, so we can snag a match and get validation — and that sometimes leads to changes IRL.
The study also showed that this intense focus on our appearance is linked to a number of mental health struggles. Think body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety and a dip in self-esteem.
But the conversation doesn’t have to be all doom and no hope. Researchers are suggesting a few ways to help users feel less pressure to conform to these idealised beauty standards. Lauren Conboy, a co-author of the study, says adding more personality-focused matching options could shift the emphasis away from appearance – ie dating apps where you connect with someone because of who they are.
Dr. John Mingoia, another co-author of the study, points out that dating apps could introduce features like body image support or self-compassion exercises to help users feel good about who they are as an individual.
The thing is, dating apps are only going to keep growing. eHarmony predicts that by 2040, over 70% of relationships will start online. So as these platforms continue to influence how we connect with others, we need to keep in mind how they define our self-image — and, more importantly, what we can do to shift the focus from how we look in a photo to who we are behind it.
Sure, swiping through profiles is fun. But let’s not forget the psychological, physical and financial costs that can come with it. If dating apps can help create a more real, more accepting culture where people aren’t pressured to meet impossible beauty standards, we’d all be a lot better off.
Do you think dating apps put too much pressure on appearance, or are they just reflecting the beauty standards we already have?
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The Casper Magazine Team ❤️
