How long does this quiz take?

Most people complete this quiz in about two minutes.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I should stop using dating apps?

No—this quiz is meant to raise awareness, not give instructions. Your results highlight patterns you may want to reflect on.

Can my results help me improve my dating life?

Yes. Understanding your usage patterns can help you make more intentional choices about how and why you use dating apps.

This psychology-inspired quiz explores whether dating apps are supporting your romantic goals or becoming a source of emotional dependence.

Problematic Tinder Use Scale

When swiping stops being fun and starts feeling compulsory.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Dating apps have transformed how people seek connection, offering convenience, novelty, and instant feedback. For many, swiping is a harmless way to meet new people—but for others, it can quietly shift into something more consuming. The Dating App Overuse Scale is designed to help you reflect on how much control dating apps have over your time, mood, and priorities.

This test draws on established psychological research into behavioral addiction, focusing on patterns like preoccupation, emotional reliance, and difficulty disengaging. Rather than labeling use as “good” or “bad,” the scale helps identify whether dating apps are being used intentionally or as a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, or self-doubt. If you’re curious how digital habits intersect with emotional needs, you may also want to explore our Fear of Missing Out Scale.

Understanding your results can offer clarity—not judgment. Many people discover their swiping habits are tied to broader relationship patterns, such as reassurance-seeking or avoidance of deeper intimacy. For further insight into how you approach closeness and connection, consider pairing this test with the Fear of Being Single Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: Most people complete this quiz in about two minutes.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Problematic Tinder Use Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Problematic Tinder Use Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I should stop using dating apps?: No—this quiz is meant to raise awareness, not give instructions. Your results highlight patterns you may want to reflect on.
Can my results help me improve my dating life?: Yes. Understanding your usage patterns can help you make more intentional choices about how and why you use dating apps.

Dating App Overuse Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Dating App Use

For each statement, indicate how often it applies to you on a scale of 1 (Never) to 5 (Very Often). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I turn to dating apps to cope with stress, sadness, or insecurity.

2. I’ve tried to cut back on dating app use but struggled to do so.

3. I find myself thinking about using dating apps even when I’m not on them.

4. I spend more time on dating apps than I originally plan to.

5. I feel uneasy or irritable when I can’t check dating apps.

6. I neglect hobbies or offline activities because of dating app use.

7. I continue using dating apps even when the experience leaves me feeling discouraged or dissatisfied.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Problematic Tinder Use Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Orosz, G., Tóth-Király, I., Bőthe, B., & Melher, D. (2016). Too many swipes for today: The development of the Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS). Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 5(3), 518–523.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.