Research Shows Tinder Isn't Actually Ruining Love

New research shows dating apps aren't destroying monogamous relationships. Surprise!

A somewhat popularly held belief is that dating apps such as Tinder, Grindr and OKCupid are contributing to the inevitable dissolution of romance. There's this idea that online dating tools prompt easy access to unlimited, instant hook-ups, which have created an entire generation of millennials who are terrified of commitment.

Mitchell Hobbs - a researcher - from the University of Sydney has looked into the online dating habits of 365 people, mostly below the age of 30.

The study found more than half of the people used the apps to find dates, while only one quarter of respondents reportedly use the app solely for sexual encounters.

"There had been a little bit of hype in certain media outlets that was a little bit sensational regarding how it was depicting this technology as the death of romance," Dr Hobbs said.

Tinder was the most popular application, by far, raking in 84 per cent of total respondents. The study shows almost three quarters of users used the app to find monogamous relationships.

"Most people are not using the technology merely for increased sexual promiscuity, but are in fact seeking to find a potential longer-term partner," he said.

"Dating apps are also making it easier for people to meet like-minded individuals. This is especially important for individuals who don't have the time, or the inclination, to meet people in sites of traditional matchmaking, such as bars and clubs."

Considering the majority of communication is done through a text based medium, these apps also help combat some of the emotional anxiety associated with meeting new people.

It allows users to communicate in language that they have become familiar and comfortable with.

For most people, it's also a matter of convenience.

Users enjoy the sheer ease of being able to connect with huge groups of people at once, with total smart-phone efficiency and portability. People also like the fact that they have the ability to get to know the people they might potentially meet up with.

The social stigma once associated with online forms of dating has begun to break down, because (obviously) people are flocking to the technology in droves.

"The technology thrives because it is useful, and will die when it no longer offers pathways to connect and communicate that are advantageous to users," Dr. Hobb says.

So yeah, next time someone disses you for having a Tinder, just tell them to read this article.

Biggest "I told you so" ever.

Photo: Giphy and Twitter - Tinder