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Online dating apps have transformed the dating market, yet their
broader effects remain unclear. We study Tinder’s impact on college students
using its initial marketing focus on Greek organizations for identification.
We show that the full-scale launch of Tinder led to a sharp,
persistent increase in sexual activity, but with little corresponding impact
on the formation of long-term relationships or relationship quality.
Dating outcome inequality, especially among men, rose, alongside rates
of sexual assault and STDs. However, despite these changes, Tinder’s
introduction did not worsen students’ mental health, on average, and
may have even led to improvements for female students.
