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Depathologizing Queer Adults' Dating App Use in Canada: Convergent Mixed Methods Study
Jad Sinno1, Amaya Perez-Brumer1, Paul A Shuper1,2,3
1Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Queer adults in Canada use dating apps intentionally, finding increased life satisfaction and self-esteem. They employ strategies to manage negative impacts and foster well-being in these online sociosexual spaces.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Digital Communication
Background:
- Dating apps have transformed how queer individuals form social, sexual, and romantic connections.
- Few studies have explored the mental health impacts of dating app use among queer adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically explore the association between dating app use and mental health among queer adults in Canada.
- To examine the mediating roles of discrimination and community connectedness in this association.
Main Methods:
- Convergent mixed methods design with online surveys (N=250) and one-on-one interviews (n=22) among queer adults in Canada.
- Structural equation modeling to assess associations between dating app use and mental health.
- Hybrid reflexive thematic analysis to understand negotiation of power and marginalization in app use.
Main Results:
- Dating app use was linked to higher life satisfaction and self-esteem, but not significantly to depression or anxiety.
- Discrimination and seeking social approval correlated with adverse mental health outcomes.
- Increased community connectedness was associated with improved life satisfaction and self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- Queer individuals use dating apps purposefully, seeking connections and employing well-being strategies.
- The relationship between dating app use and well-being is complex, context-dependent, and dynamic.
- Findings highlight the nuanced ways queer adults navigate online sociosexual environments.
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