Women who misrepresent themselves on dating apps more likely to consider cosmetic surgery

A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior has found that women who use dating apps are more likely to express positive attitudes toward cosmetic surgery — and this link is stronger among women who present themselves deceptively online. The research suggests that the image-driven nature of dating apps may be influencing how women feel about their appearance and the lengths they are willing to go to change it.

The researchers conducted this study to better understand how the rise of dating app use affects women’s self-perception, particularly in relation to body image and appearance-enhancing behaviors. As dating apps become a primary way for people to form romantic or sexual connections, they often emphasize visual presentation above all else. This may lead users, especially women, to feel pressure to look a certain way — both online and in real life.

While earlier research has examined how social media platforms like Instagram influence self-image and cosmetic surgery attitudes, relatively little was known about how dating apps specifically affect these outcomes. The authors aimed to fill this gap by exploring how frequently women use dating apps, how they present themselves on those platforms, and whether these factors are linked to their acceptance of cosmetic surgery.

“I was inspired to explore this topic through personal experiences and conversations with friends who expressed dissatisfaction with their appearance—particularly in online spaces—and increasing interest in cosmetic procedures. The growing prevalence of dating apps and curated online self-presentation also sparked curiosity around how these factors might influence body image and openness to cosmetic surgery,” said study author Naomi Burkhardt, a provisional psychologist at the University of South Australia.

The study included 308 adult women, ranging in age from 18 to 72, with an average age of 25. About half of the participants had used a dating app in the past two years. Participants were recruited both online and through university campuses in South Australia. They were asked to complete a set of questionnaires assessing their dating app use, self-presentation style, attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, and whether they had ever undergone cosmetic procedures.

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Participants indicated how frequently they used dating apps and identified which apps they used most often. The most common platforms were Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. The researchers also measured self-presentation styles using validated scales, distinguishing between “real” self-presentation — where individuals portray themselves authentically — and “deceptive” self-presentation, which involves intentionally presenting false or exaggerated information. Attitudes toward cosmetic surgery were assessed using a widely used 15-item scale measuring how positively participants felt about undergoing procedures to improve their appearance.

The findings showed that women who used dating apps reported significantly more positive attitudes toward cosmetic surgery compared to women who did not use these apps. They were also more likely to have had at least one cosmetic procedure. About 18% of the total sample reported having undergone some type of cosmetic surgery, with the most common procedures being dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, eyelid surgery, and breast augmentation.

Importantly, the extent to which women engaged in deceptive self-presentation on dating apps predicted their acceptance of cosmetic surgery, even after controlling for age, education, the number of dating apps used, and how frequently they used them. Women who admitted to presenting themselves in ways that were not true to who they are offline were more likely to express favorable views of cosmetic surgery.

Interestingly, it wasn’t simply how often women used dating apps or how many apps they were on that explained their attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Rather, it was how they used the apps — specifically, whether they presented a version of themselves that was authentic or deceptive — that made the difference. Women who crafted a more idealized or false version of themselves online were more open to the idea of changing their appearance through surgery, possibly to match the image they were projecting.

“We were intrigued to find that certain self-presentation styles had stronger associations with cosmetic surgery acceptance than others, suggesting that it’s not just app usage but how individuals engage with these platforms that matters,” Burkhardt told PsyPost.

These results suggest that dating apps may play a unique role in shaping women’s appearance-related attitudes and behaviors. The need to upload highly curated or edited photos to attract matches might lead some women to become more dissatisfied with their natural appearance, which in turn could increase interest in cosmetic procedures. The study adds to growing evidence that visual-focused platforms can impact self-esteem and body image, especially when users are motivated to seek validation through appearance.

“Our findings suggest that the way individuals present themselves on dating apps may be linked to greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery, particularly when self-presentation is highly curated or appearance-focused,” Burkhardt explained. “This highlights how social and digital environments can shape not only our self-image but also the choices we consider to alter it.”

The authors argue that dating apps could take steps to reduce this pressure by designing features that promote authenticity. For example, requiring users to take live, unfiltered photos for verification or offering more space for personality-based profiles could reduce the emphasis on appearance. They also suggest that body image interventions, such as promoting self-compassion exercises within the app environment, could help mitigate the psychological effects of deceptive self-presentation.

The study is notable for being one of the first to explore how deceptive self-presentation across a range of dating apps—not just Tinder—relates to cosmetic surgery acceptance. However, the authors acknowledge some limitations. The sample consisted only of women, and while this reflects the fact that women are more likely to undergo cosmetic surgery, it limits the ability to draw conclusions about men’s experiences. Future studies could explore gender differences and include a broader spectrum of app users.

The study also relied on self-reported data, which can be affected by social desirability bias. Some participants might have underreported cosmetic procedures or deceptive behavior due to the sensitive nature of the topics.

Despite these limitations, the study provides insight into how dating app behavior intersects with body image concerns and cosmetic surgery attitudes. As online dating becomes increasingly common, understanding the psychological effects of these platforms is essential for both public health and digital policy. The authors emphasize the need for further research to explore whether similar patterns exist in other populations and whether interventions can reduce the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards online.

“While I’m not personally continuing research in this area, my co-authors, John Mongolia and Lauren Conboy, plan to further explore how digital self-presentation and body image interact, and investigate potential interventions or protective factors,” Burkhardt said. “I’m incredibly grateful to my co-authors for their contributions to this work. Our hope is that this research helps raise awareness around the psychological effects of online self-presentation and contributes to a broader conversation about digital wellbeing.”

The study, “Swipe, style, surgery: Exploring dating app use, self-presentation style, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery,” was authored by Naomi Burkhardt, John Mingoia, and Lauren Conboy.