45% of current or recent users of dating sites or apps say using these platforms made them feel frustrated Among those who have used a dating site or app in the past year, % who say it made them feel more
While online daters generally say their overall experience was positive, they also point out some of the downsides of online dating. By a wide margin, Americans who have used a dating site or app in the past year say their recent experience left them feeling more frustrated (45%) than hopeful (28%).
Other sentiments are more evenly balanced between positive and negative feelings. Some 35% of current or recent users say that in the past year online dating has made them feel more pessimistic, while 29% say these platforms left them feeling more optimistic. Similarly, 32% say online dating sites or apps made them feel more confident, whereas 25% say it left them feeling more insecure.
45% of current or recent users of dating sites or apps  | say using these platforms made them feel frustrated  | Among those who have used a dating site or app in the past year, % who say  | it made them feel more  | 45%  | 28%  | 27% Neither  | Frustrated  | Hopeful  | 35  | 29  | Optimistic  | 36  | Pessimistic  | 25  | 32  | Confident  | 43  | Insecure  | Note: Online dating users refers to respondents who say they have ever used an online  | dating site or app. Those who did not give an answer are not shown.  | Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Oct. 16-28, 2019  | "The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 