Abstract
<jats:p>Existing research on mobile dating apps has focused on exploring the impact of dating apps on body dissatisfaction, but has largely overlooked which specific experiences of dating app use impact this dissatisfaction. As such, the underlying mechanisms at play require further exploration. Drawing upon social comparison theory and using a sample of 538 dating app users, this study constructed a model with the aim of clarifying the impact of dating app feedback on body dissatisfaction, the mediating role of self-conscious appearance comparison, and the moderating role of gender. The results indicated a negative association between dating app feedback and self-conscious appearance comparison, which in turn was positively associated with body dissatisfaction; however, gender did not moderate either of these associations. These findings provide recommendations which could enhance the dating app user experience.</jats:p>