Who Actually Spends More Time on Dating Apps: Men or Women?

Have you ever wondered why dating apps always seem to have more men than women? Or why your female friends complain about being tired of endless swiping while guys are ready to sit there for hours? We decided to find out what science says about how differently men and women use such services and what comes of it. Spoiler: differences exist, and they affect your health.

What Scientists Found

Researchers collected data from 22 serious scientific studies that followed dating app users from 2008 to 2025. It turned out that men are indeed more likely to register on such services—the odds of finding a man there are almost twice as high as finding a woman (for number lovers: coefficient 0.46). But that's not the most interesting part.

When it came to sexual health, the picture became even more curious. Women who use dating apps experience sexual dysfunction less often than men. Simply put, women less frequently report problems with arousal, lubrication, or achieving orgasm. Men, on the other hand, report such difficulties more often. The researchers emphasize this does not mean apps make men impotent, but a link exists.

What About STIs and Casual Encounters?

Here's a surprise: contrary to stereotypes, scientists found no difference between men and women in how many casual sexual encounters they have through apps. There was also no difference in the frequency of sexually transmitted infections. In other words, you can't say men are more reckless and women are more cautious—both risk equally.

The only difference was the tendency to seek partners online or offline. Men more often use apps as their primary way to meet people, while women more often combine with real life. Additionally, men in apps are more likely to identify as sexual minorities (gay or bisexual) than women.

Why This Matters

What's the point of all this statistics? The authors insist that the approach to digital dating must consider gender. For example, STI prevention programs or psychological support might work differently for men and women. And if you're on an app and worried about your health—now you know you're not alone, and your concerns have scientific backing.

What to Do Next

If you actively use dating apps, don't panic. Just remember the risks and get tested for STIs regularly, regardless of who you are. And if you feel your sex life isn't going well—that's a reason to talk to a doctor, not to blame yourself or the app. After all, statistics are just numbers, and your health is in your hands.