Advanced International Journal for Research

E-ISSN: 3048-7641   •   Impact Factor: 9.11

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Volume 7 Issue 4
July-August 2026

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Social Comparison Experiences among Emerging Adults Using Dating Applications: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Author(s) Ms. Jyothika Nair, Dr. Johnson Joseph
Country India
Abstract The widespread use of dating applications has transformed the way emerging adults establish and maintain romantic relationships while simultaneously creating new opportunities for social comparison. This qualitative study explored how social comparison experiences on dating applications influence users' self-perception, emotional well-being, and behavioural responses. A qualitative exploratory research design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 emerging adults aged 18–29 years who had experience using dating applications. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, leading to the identification of five major themes: comparison triggered by curated profiles, upward social comparison and negative self-evaluation, social validation through matches and online interactions, emotional consequences of comparison, and behavioural adaptations following comparison. The findings indicate that dating applications function as environments that encourage continuous self-evaluation through appearance-based and social comparisons, resulting in both positive outcomes, such as enhanced confidence, and negative outcomes, including reduced self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthy digital engagement and provides valuable implications for mental health professionals, educators, and developers of dating platforms.
Keywords Dating applications, Social comparison, Emerging adults, Self-esteem, Thematic analysis, Digital relationships
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On 2026-07-24
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E-ISSN 3048-7641
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