New Report Says Using Tinder Won’t Lead to Casual Sex

In our society, Tinder is touted as a great app for casual hookups, like a veritable Seamless for sex. But according to a new study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, while there are plenty of people looking for one-night stands on the popular dating app, not that many people are actually having it.

More than 600 Norwegian university students between the ages of 19 and 29 were asked to complete a questionnaire about their use of Picture-Based Mobile Dating Apps. Nearly half of the students described themselves as former or current regular users of dating apps, and those men and women were found to be more “sociosexual”—meaning: comfortable with casual sex and picking up strangers—than those who were old-school with their dating preferences. However, the researchers found no evidence to suggest that these participants actually had more casual sex.

“Apps have become the new public arena for dating. But to a large extent, the people using them are the same ones you find dating other ways,” Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a professor at NTNU’s Department of Psychology and lead author of the study, said in a statement.

Mons Bendixen, an associate professor at NTNU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, reiterated that while Tinder may provide a new possibility for hookups, “dating app users don’t have more casual sexual partners than others with the same short-term preference.”

Those who have experienced dating app culture can easily speculate as to why this is the case. The illusion of a seemingly endless rotary of options plays into the paradox of choice, a psychological theory that argues that people are less likely to make any decision at all when they have too many options to choose from. In the past, the thinking goes, people might have been more likely to get to know someone well before shooting them down, while today’s online daters are quick to write each other off in pursuit of another, newer option, thereby becoming trapped in an endless litany of first dates. This tactic might make for a packed schedule, but it doesn’t bode well for making it to the bedroom.

The fact that dating apps make people seem disposable is also what encourages a slew of terrible new behavioral norms, such as orbiting, ghosting, breadcrumbing, and benching.

Based on recent research, it seems like technology isn’t doing our sex lives many favors in general. A recent study found that more and more people are watching Netflix late at night instead of having sex. Sexually active couples have gone from having sex an average of five times a month in 1990 to only three times a month in 2010. (At this rate, no one will be having sex at all by 2030.) On the other hand, a recent study found that people over the age of 65, who are notoriously tech-averse, are still going at it like rabbits.

Another interesting finding from the new Norwegian study shed light on the different ways in which men and women use dating apps. Women take more time considering the candidate, whereas men speed through the options. “Women are more discerning. Men are more eager. This has clear evolutionary reasons. Women have more to lose by engaging with low-quality sexual partners than men do. That’s why men swipe right more often than women do,” Kennair said.

While boredom is high on the list for both genders, men are more prone to use the apps in order to secure sexual partners, whereas women are seeking validation for their appearance, researchers said.

“Women use dating apps to feel better about themselves more than men do,” Bendixen said.

The study, however, shot down the myth that the men on dating sites are only looking to get some.

“Men tend to report a desire for casual sex and short-term relationships as a reason for using dating apps. But it should be noted that the myth that men on dating apps are only looking for casual sex isn’t accurate. Men who use these apps also seek long-term partners, but to a lesser extent than short-term partners,” clinical psychologist and co-author Ernst Olav Botnen said.

If there’s one thing that’s good about dating apps, it’s that they’ve provided an analytical way of gathering data about how dating norms reflect today’s changing society. Studies have shown that women today aren’t nearly as interested as they used to be in flashy men, and men are more interested in women with high-power jobs than in years past—a surefire sign of living in an era that celebrates financially independent women. Other studies have shown that women tend to prefer sensitive men for long-term relationships and believe an ideal sexual partner is one who is in touch with his feelings and the emotions of those around him, adding fuel to the current movement against toxic masculinity.

Now, if we could just spend less time on our phones, we’d all be golden.

18 Incredible Ways Having An Orgasm Can Change Your LIFE — Literally

Forget apples! Orgasms are the best way to keep the doctor away.

Mae West was ahead of her time when she said, “An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.” An orgasm isn’t just pleasurable — it also makes you healthier and improves the overall quality of your life. 

According to sex educator Charlie Glickman, “Pleasure supports well-being.” Sexologist Jaiya suggests, “Orgasms equal long life.” Knowing that, you should be having an orgasm everyday no matter how old you are!

OK, maybe that’s not reasonable for many of us, but once a week is definitely doable.

So, how do orgasms actually keep you healthy? First and foremost, orgasms feel good and make you happy. They are also responsible for so many other things that keep both women’s and men’s bodies healthy.

Benefits of Orgasm for Women:

1. They improve everything “down there.” 

For women, orgasms improve circulation to the organs in the pelvic cavity. They also deliver nutrients “down there” and promote normal estrogen levels to keep everything healthy and ready for action. The extra blood flow from an orgasm rushes to the tissues in this area, helping them stay toned, young and strong.

Orgasms also help the pituitary gland, which regulates the release of reproductive hormones that induce ovulation and cervical fluid to increase fertility.

For both men and women, orgasms help keep everything in place and working they right way. They decrease incontinence and other pelvic floor related disorders among seniors.

2. They help you sleep.

Have you ever had an orgasm and then immediately fallen asleep? That's not only because you used a lot of energy. It’s also because orgasms release many different hormones that relax you and make you drowsy.

After an orgasm, oxytocin is created, which then triggers the release of endorphins. These endorphins often make you sleepy. Oxytocin can also to reduce your cortisol levels (an inflammatory hormone released by the adrenal glands) to create even more relaxation and/or sleepiness.

Yet another hormone that’s released after an orgasm is prolactin, which causes stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain’s olfactory bulb (or smell center). Prolactin levels are naturally higher during sleep. In women, prolactin is known to surge after sex, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Just in case you're wondering, the tendency to fall asleep first after sex is also associated with greater partner desire for bonding and affection. Whether or not you believe these findings from the University of Michigan and Albright College is up to you.

3. They help you look younger.

The hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) released during sex maintains and repairs tissue and promotes healthy skin. In other words, it helps you look younger. Studies show that having sex three times a week (when in a stress free relationship) can make you look almost 10 years younger!

4. They boost your immune system.

Orgasms can help to balance the immune system, which can combat colds and the flu. During orgasm, your body releases an antibody known as immunoglobulin A. This chemical boosts the immune system, providing protection from infections and viruses.

Let’s not forget that orgasms gives your body a natural lymphatic massage. They help your body’s natural detoxification process to kill bacteria and viruses.

5. They clear your stuffy nose.

Have no fear if you get sick — orgasms can still help you feel better! The same prolactin hormone that was mentioned earlier also stimulates neurons in your nose. This will clear up stuffy sinuses and heighten your sense of smell.

6. They relieve pain.

Believe it or not, orgasms can help you decrease and manage pain by about 70 percent. Orgasms can more than double a woman’s tolerance for pain. “When women had orgasms, their pain thresholds went up by more than 108 percent,” says Beverly Whipple, researcher and professor emeritus at Rutgers University and co-author of The Science of Orgasm.

Why? Those endorphins not only help you sleep, but they are also a natural drug-free way to beat pain. Plus, it’s analgesic, meaning it suppresses pain without affecting sensitivity to touch.

7. They help with your period.

The painkilling properties of orgasms can be helpful when you have your period. They can also help to regulate your menstrual cycle. Women who have sex at least once a week are more likely to have normal cycles than women who don’t. Also, studies have shown that having orgasms while having your period protects against endometriosis, a uterine condition that can lead to infertility.

8. They help prevent breast cancer.

Oxytocin is awesome. The more oxytocin you have, the better the orgasm. Plus, oxytocin has also been shown to possibly prevent breast cancer cells from developing into a tumor.

9. They reduce the risk of heart disease.

Some studies have shown that orgasms can lower blood pressure levels among women. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks. Therefore, having sex two to three times a week might decrease the risk of heart attack.

10. They reduce your appetite.

Oxytocin works in so many ways! It raises levels of a substance called CCK, which acts as a hunger suppressant. The oxytocin also fights the harmful effects of cortisol, which is well known for its role in boosting belly fat and cravings for carbs.

Let’s not forget the dopamine that we get from sex, which increases steadily to the point of orgasm and then declines. Dopamine helps curb your appetite as well. The dopamine pathways in the brain involved in stimulating your desire for both sex and food are shut down by the hormones released immediately after your have an orgasm.

11. They reduce risk of mild depression.

How can you be depressed when you're having orgasms on a regular basis? They feel so good! Those endorphins that are released not only prevent pain and help you sleep, but they also produce euphoria and pleasure.

The awesome hormone, oxytocin, may lower rates of depression and anxiety by counteracting cortisol, which can cause stress and depression.

12. They count as exercise.

According to WebMD, sex burns about 5 calories per minute. It might sound like very little, but at least it’s better than sitting in front of the computer or television!

13. They help your memory.

Having sex keeps your brain sharp and can improve brain function. In increasing blood circulation, it transports oxygen-enriched blood to the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that controls memory and learning.

In fact, some scientists suggest that enjoying regular orgasms is an excellent way to improve memory. According to neuroscientist, Professor Barry Komisaruk, “mental exercises increase brain activity but only in relatively localized regions.” Every little bit helps, especially as you get older!

14. They cure hiccups.

Orgasms stimulate the vagus nerve, a long nerve that runs from the stem of the brain down to all the internal organs in the chest, pelvis and abdomen. The late Dr. Francis Fesmire said that stimulating this nerve is the best way to cure a case of hiccups. It might be hard to concentrate, but it’s worth a shot!

15. They boost testosterone levels.

Sexual function is a lot like a muscle — if you don’t use it, you lose it and all of the hormonal benefits that come with it. Women who enjoy more orgasms have increased estrogen and testosterone. That translates to more sexual desire, it makes you feel sexier, and it improves your mood.

16. They help with digestion.

The awesome and powerful oxytocin also helps to lower blood pressure and can improve digestion. Oxytocin receptors have been found in the stomach, showing that oxytocin can even calm some stomach issues.

17. They fight morning sickness.

Many pregnant women experience morning sickness. Psychologist Gordon Gallup suggests that a man’s sperm can relieve some of the symptoms. He believes that since sperm was what made you sick, building up a tolerance is the only way to fix your nausea. So, try oral sex! At least it will make him happy!

Benefits of Orgasm for Men:

18. They reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a higher frequency of ejaculations is related to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. And, don’t forget prostate massages! They will make him healthier, and he'll also experience an orgasm like no other!

There are so many things that we're supposed to do to stay healthy that we don’t really enjoy. Orgasms are definitely not one of them!

These Women Are Having More Orgasms Than You

We'll have what they're having.

Men orgasm more than women. It's just a simple fact of nature and it's really unfair, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. So dry your eyes, my darlings, and deal with it. But while that may be the case, we, the ladies of the world do have something in our corner that men do not: our orgasms are "more varied." Yes! It's true! It's science! Sometimes our orgasms are awesome, sometimes they're really, really awesome, and other times your mind is so blown, that between your shaking legs, racing heart, and the sweat on your brow, you’re not sure if you’ve been to the moon, the center of the earth, or raced about the universe on a comet all the way to Pleasure Town! Men’s orgasms, although they can differ in intensity, just can’t compete in variation.

A study into the sex lives of 6,500 U.S. men and women, between the ages of 21 and 65, of gay, straight, and bisexual sexual orientation, found that in addition to the varied orgasms that women experience, our climaxes are also far more unpredictable. Apparently, our orgasms like to keep things mysterious, yet spicy, just like us. 

The study also revealed that orgasm frequency is very much dependent on sexual orientation, although scientists can't really explain why. When having sex with a familiar partner, men orgasm 85 percent of the time, compared to straight women who orgasm only 63 percent of the time. However, once you toss in lesbians and bisexual women, the range in frequency gets even more interesting. Lesbians orgasm 75 percent of the time, while bisexual women are looking at a paltry 58 percent orgasm rate. I'm going to make an educated guess here that the 58 percent for bisexual women can be attributed to their sexual encounters with men. Sorry, dudes, but you just can't win them all.

Researchers think the reason why lesbians might be reaching climax more often is because lesbian sex lasts longer (straight men, please take note), and of course, women know women's body better than men, and are therefore more comfortable. Once again, these observations bring us back to the varied orgasms, and yes, because lesbians are the women who are having the most orgasms, they're also having the most varied orgasms. Basically, lesbians are having better sex than everybody.

But while all this information about orgasm frequency and the variations of them that women experience is really exciting for all us ladies out there, research can't really tell us why. In fact, this particular study concluded that these "finding demonstrate the need for further investigations into the comparative sexual experience and sexual health outcomes of sexual minorities." Um, OK then.

Takeaway? Men orgasm more than women, lesbians are the winners if orgasming were a contest, and guys really need to step-up their knowledge of the female anatomy. Yes, I think that's what we've gathered from this research that admits it still needs to do more research.