ArticleBMJ public health2025
Relations of problematic online dating app use with mental and sexual health: a cross-sectional study in Swiss university students.
Article in BMJ public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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6 authors.
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Abstract
Background: The rise of online dating apps (ODAs) has raised concerns about potential mental and sexual health risks, particularly among emerging adults. However, limited research exists on how problematic ODA use and health outcomes are associated during this sensitive transition phase of early adulthood. Methods: Data were collected in an anonymous online survey from 923 Swiss university students (64% female) who had actively used ODA in the past 12 months. The Problematic Online Dating Apps Use Scale (PODAUS) and a variety of mental health, substance use and sexual health outcomes were assessed. Regression models were applied to examine associations between problematic ODA use and health outcomes. Measurement invariance (MI) of the PODAUS was tested across females and males. In a subsample ( Results: Higher intensity of problematic ODA use was significantly associated with more symptoms of depression, impulsivity and a higher number of sexual partners. Furthermore, a higher PODAUS score was associated with higher lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections. PODAUS demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0.73) and acceptable retest reliability (r Conclusions: We identified significant associations between problematic ODA use and adverse health outcomes in a student population. Our findings highlight the necessity for targeted mental health interventions and sexual health education for university students, especially for those students exhibiting problematic ODA use patterns.
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