---
title: "Gay Men May Experience Lower Anxiety by Trying Multiple Dating Apps"
url: https://newscentral.site/gay-men-may-experience-lower-anxiety-by-trying-multiple-dating-apps/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Science"
published: 2026-10-15T11:40:01.000Z
updated: 2026-10-15T14:23:44.762Z
id: aeea998d-32c3-448b-b3b8-00b3e2eb6fe8
source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-relief-dating-app-anxiety-variety.html"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/gay-men-may-experience-lower-anxiety-by-trying-multiple-dating-apps/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Gay Men May Experience Lower Anxiety by Trying Multiple Dating Apps

A recent study at Flinders University found that gay men who use multiple types of dating apps experience lower levels of anxiety compared to those using a single type of app.

Gay men who use mobile dating platforms may experience lower levels of anxiety by trying out multiple types of apps, according to a recent study. The research, conducted at Flinders University, compared mental health and well-being outcomes among users of different dating app types and sexual orientations.

The study involved a survey of 578 Australian men aged 18-69 years old, with an average age of 34 years. Researchers found that the relationship between mental health and use of mainstream or gay-only dating apps varied when controlling for age differences in the study group.

Sexual orientation played a significant role in determining user experience on these platforms. Mainstream apps like Tinder or Hinge differ fundamentally from gay apps like Grindr, with varying interfaces, image-sharing capabilities, and potential for non-consensual messaging.

Lead author Zac Bowman notes that these differences may impact user experience significantly. As a Ph.D. candidate at Flinders University's College of Human Sciences and Culture, Bowman suggests that using a broader range of dating apps could lead to more desired outcomes, which might explain the lower anxiety levels among users who try multiple platforms.

Dating apps are often perceived as having distinct personalities, with some platforms catering to casual encounters while others focus on meaningful relationships. Apps like Grindr and Scruff tend to be viewed as spaces for hookups where physical appearance takes center stage, whereas Tinder and Hinge are more commonly associated with dating.

Research has shown that men using dating apps designed specifically for gay or bisexual users are exposed to a higher volume of unsolicited and sometimes unpleasant messages compared to mainstream swipe-based platforms. This can have significant implications for their mental health and well-being.

Gay, bisexual, and other sexual minorities tend to be among the most active users of dating apps, with hundreds of millions of people worldwide using these platforms regularly. However, this demographic is also potentially more vulnerable due to the nature of online interactions.

Studies have found that men who exclusively used one type of app or both gay and mainstream dating apps reported increased anxiety levels compared to other groups, highlighting a need for app developers to reassess their approach and prioritize user safety.

Research suggests that users of dating apps can play a significant role in shaping the culture on these platforms.

The study found that men who used multiple types of dating apps reported lower levels of anxiety compared to those who exclusively used one type or both gay and mainstream dating apps. This indicates that diversifying one's online presence could be beneficial for mental health. Furthermore, using different types of apps may help users avoid the negative effects associated with exclusive use.

Ultimately, a shift towards more diverse app usage could lead to improved wellbeing for individuals on these platforms.

---
Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-relief-dating-app-anxiety-variety.html)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/gay-men-may-experience-lower-anxiety-by-trying-multiple-dating-apps/