Sex differences in digital dating app use and app-mediated sexual and health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize sex-based differences in dating app use, app-mediated sexual behaviors, and sexual health outcomes using sex-stratified quantitative data from observational studies. Methods Conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO, this review synthesized sex-disaggregated data from observational studies published between 2008 and 2025.Systematic searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Outcomes included prevalence of dating app use, app-mediated casual sexual encounters, sexual function outcomes, sexual orientation distribution, experience of sexual intercourse, online versus offline partner-seeking behaviors, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results Twenty-two observational studies were included. Women were significantly less likely than men to report dating app use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.77; I2 = 97%). Among dating app users, women had lower odds of sexual function impairment (OR = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.20-0.66; I2 = 88%) and were less likely to report a sexual minority orientation (OR = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.16-0.69; I2 = 92%). No statistically significant sex-based differences were observed for app-mediated casual sexual encounters, experience of sexual intercourse, history of STIs, or online versus offline partner-seeking behaviors. Substantial heterogeneity was present across all outcomes. Conclusion Dating app–related behaviors and outcomes differ by sex and are not sex-neutral. Men report higher engagement in dating app use and sexual risk–related behaviors, whereas women show distinct patterns in sexual function and psychosocial outcomes. These findings support the use of sex-stratified analytical frameworks and sex-sensitive interventions in digital dating contexts.