Problematic Tinder Use Scale

A thin line exists between using Tinder for love and getting hooked on it. Take this test to find out where you stand.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | 07 March, 2024

The number of individuals resorting to using dating apps to satisfy their romantic and sexual needs is steadily increasing. Tinder is one of the leading smartphone dating applications preferred by individuals to find potential dating partners.

Swiping between choices—and the consequent validation from successful matches—can make usage of the app rewarding in terms of mood modification and alleviating insecurites. However, the reliance on Tinder for finding partners can be a slippery slope. Excessive usage of Tinder can affect mental health and create issues in forming and maintaining relationships.

Research led by Gábor Orosz provides an effecient way to measure the dependence on Tinder through their Problematic Tinder Use Scale. The scale evaluates individuals' problematic usage of Tinder based on an addiction model.

You can take this test here. Please follow all of the steps to receive your results.

Step 1: Rate the following statements, on a scale of never to always, based on how often have you experienced them over the past year:

1. You have thought about Tinder?

2. You have spent much more time on Tinder than initially intended?

3. You become restless or troubled if you have been prohibited from Tinder use?

4. You have deprioritized other hobbies and leisure activities because of your Tinder use?

5. You used Tinder in order to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, helplessness and depression?

6. You tried to cut down on Tinder use without success?

Step 2: Enter your age, gender, region, and first name so we can provide you with a detailed report that compares your test scores to people similar to you.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Psychologist, Mark Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.

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.