Are Relationships That Arise On Dating Apps Less Lasting?
In recent years, dating apps have radically transformed the way people find love. Platforms like Tinder, Bumble or Hinge have become common tools for millions of people looking for everything from casual relationships to serious commitments. This cultural shift has facilitated connections between individuals who would otherwise never have met, removing barriers of distance, time, and limited social circles.
However, The use of these applications has not been without criticism. They are often accused of fostering superficial relationships based solely on physical attractiveness, perpetuating dishonest behavior, or reducing the chances of authentic emotional connections. This skepticism also extends to the perception that relationships started on dating apps are less lasting than those that arise in face-to-face encounters.
But is this really true? Recent studies, such as the one led by researcher Mickey Langlais, suggest that relationships formed in apps do not differ in quality or stability from those initiated in person. As dating apps become more integrated into modern life, It is essential to examine whether prejudices towards these tools are supported by evidence or if they simply reflect past stigmas.
For years, dating apps have carried the weight of a social stigma that classified them as a superficial or even desperate option to find a partner. In the beginning, these platforms were seen as a last resort, especially among people who were unable to connect in traditional environments. Additionally, the perception that they prioritize physical appearance over emotional compatibility fueled criticism about the authenticity of relationships formed online.
Adding to this stigma were fears related to online safety and honesty, such as the possibility that users would lie on their profiles or manipulate their image to attract more attention. This widespread skepticism contrasted with the real experiences of many users who found meaningful partners on these platforms, creating a disconnect between social narratives and reality.
However, over time, dating apps have gained acceptance, largely thanks to their growing popularity. Today, millions of people of all ages use them, making them a common tool to meet others. This normalization has contributed to the reduction of stigma, especially among younger generations, who see these applications as a natural complement to their social and love lives.
The change in this perception also reflects technological and cultural evolution: what once seemed like an unconventional method is now a legitimate, effective and normalized way of starting relationships in an interconnected and digitalized world.
What science says: the Langlais study
A recent study led by Mickey Langlais, a researcher associated with Baylor University, has tested the belief that relationships started on dating apps are less authentic or lasting. Published in the journal Social Science, this work compared the quality of relationships formed in apps with those initiated face to face, concluding that there are no significant differences between the two.
The study had 233 participants, all university students. Of this group, 120 were in a relationship at the time of the study, while 169 had been in a previous relationship. To evaluate the quality of these relationships, the inventory of Components of Perceived Relationship Quality was used, which measures aspects such as satisfaction, intimacy and trust. Participants rated their relationships on a scale of 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating higher quality.
Analyzing the results, the researchers discovered that both current and past relationships showed no significant differences in terms of satisfaction. commitment or passion, regardless of whether they started in an app or in person. This suggests that the means through which people meet do not determine the quality of their romantic bond.
Langlais highlights that these findings are a reflection of the cultural shift towards greater acceptance of dating apps. The normalization of these platforms could explain why people who form online relationships do not perceive less quality in their ties. Although the study focused exclusively on the university population, its results are an important step to dismantle the prejudices associated with dating apps and demonstrate that love can flourish in any context, digital or not.
Lasting relationships or not? Beyond quality
Although Langlais’s study shows that relationships started on dating apps are as satisfying as those started face-to-face, the question of their durability requires further analysis. The durability of a relationship does not depend solely on the context in which it begins, but also on factors such as the motivations of those involved, the dynamics of the relationship, and the way they face common challenges.
One of the critical points is the ease with which dating apps allow access to new relationship options. The abundance of potential partners just a swipe away can influence the perception that there is always something better available. which can reduce the willingness to invest effort in resolving conflicts or overcoming difficult stages in a relationship. This phenomenon, known as the “substitution effect,” can affect the durability of ties if expectations are not properly managed.
2. Motivations
On the other hand, the motivations of users when entering one of these apps play a crucial role. Some people are looking for casual hookups or entertainment, while others are looking for serious relationships. These differences in initial goals can influence long-term stability. If both partners are aligned in their expectations, the relationship is more likely to thrive, regardless of how they met.
3. Common challenges
Another relevant aspect is the way in which relationships started on dating apps face the challenges common to all couples, such as communication and conflict resolution. Previous studies have indicated that the quality of relational skills has a much greater impact on durability than the means by which people met. This suggests that, Although apps offer a different starting point, building a solid bond depends on more universal factors such as empathy, trust and mutual commitment.
4. Sociocultural context
Finally, we cannot ignore the impact of the sociocultural context. In a world where dating apps are increasingly accepted, couples formed through them face fewer stigmas and external pressures, which could contribute to greater stability. However, it remains to be explored whether these dynamics are replicated in different demographic groups or cultural contexts, given that Langlais’ study focused exclusively on a population made up of university students.
Limitations and other related studies
Although Langlais’ study offers a valuable analysis of the quality of relationships initiated on dating apps, it is not without limitations. The research focused exclusively on undergraduate students at a single institution, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other demographic groups, such as older people or those with different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, data were obtained through self-report, which may introduce biases related to participants’ subjective perception of their relationships.
Another point to consider is that the study focused on relationship quality in terms of satisfaction, commitment, and intimacy, but did not directly evaluate the durability of long-term relationships. This leaves open the question of whether relationships started in apps are as likely to overcome challenges over time as those formed face to face.
Other studies have explored complementary themes, such as differences in the dynamics of relationships depending on the medium of encounter. For example, previous research has suggested that dating apps may facilitate quick connections but also encourage the “paradox of choice,” where too many options make decision-making difficult. These approaches complement Langlais’s work and underline the need to develop broader and more diverse research on the phenomenon.
Relationships that arise on dating apps are as satisfying as those started face to face, challenging traditional prejudices. Although these platforms still face criticism, Langlais’ study demonstrates that the medium of encounter does not define the quality of a romantic bond. However, the durability of relationships depends more on factors such as communication, commitment, and alignment of expectations than on the initial context.
As dating apps become more normalized, their impact on couple dynamics will continue to be a key area of study. Ultimately, what is important is not how a relationship begins, but how it is built and strengthened over time, highlighting the university of love in any context.
I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.
