Users of such applications are already 27 times more susceptible to unhealthy lifestyles
Dating app users are 27 times more likely to take unhealthy measures to stay slim. Researchers at Harvard University studied the behavior of people in their 20s.
Afterwards, intentional vomiting, taking laxatives, and even using anabolic steroids are not uncommon among users of such services.
Psychologists warn of risks
“The study is likely to be representative due to the large number of test subjects. In order to stand out from the crowd, it is not surprising when people do everything they can to stand out or to conform to an ideal of beauty. If the self-awareness is not sufficiently consolidated, a pathological development can occur."
warns psychologist Karin Flenreiss-Frankl to press text.
On such apps, the first impression is primarily crucial, otherwise you will be “wiped away”.
“In reality, however, other factors determine whether a relationship lasts. This also results in the great frustration of such new media. Compensating for your own shortcomings through external appearances cannot be a healthy approach,”
emphasizes Flenreiss-Frankl. An increase in disorders, especially eating disorders, has generally been observed due to social media. Replaceability and superficiality often prevent deep, adult relationships from developing.
Those who use dating apps are particularly aware that they are constantly being judged by potential partners in a "swipe culture" online, according to the study authors.
“Studies suggest that mass media – from television to magazines to social media – contributes to body dissatisfaction by perpetuating dominant body image ideals for men and women,”
describe the researchers.
Celebrities exemplify trends
According to the experts, it is unrealistic desires to look like celebrities that drive users to behavior that is harmful to their health. These are primarily triggered by TV and social media. The researchers studied 1,726 men and women to determine the connections between their habits and their online presence.
Among app users, 44.8 percent of women and 54.1 percent of men fasted to control their weight. In comparison, it was 27.1 and 27 percent for non-users.
According to the research, men who use apps like Grindr, Bumble and Happn are between 3.2 and 14.6 times more likely to take unhealthy weight loss measures. Women are 2.3 to 26.9 times more susceptible to such practices than those who do not use apps or the like.
About 36.4 percent of men said they had vomited to stay slim, as did 22.4 percent of women. Among non-users, the figure is 5.3 percent for men and 5.9 percent for women. More than a third of men on dating apps reported using anabolic steroids, which are illegal. For women it is 15.8 percent. Among non-users, it was 1.4 percent for women or 3.8 percent for men.
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )