A Prototype Willingness Approach to the Relation Between Geo-social Dating Apps and Willingness to Sext with Dating App Matches

Predisposing factors of using cosmetics in Iranian female students: application of prototype willingness model

Background and aim

The use of cosmetics among Iranian teenagers and youths has increased more than ever before. This study investigated the predisposing factors of cosmetic use in female students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences by using the prototype willingness model (PWM).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 students, selected based on multistage sampling. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire that included demographic variables and PWM questions. Then multiple regression analysis was used in SPSS (version 20).

Results

There was a significant difference in the frequency of daily cosmetic use based on the education levels (F = 3.845, p-value = 0.034). The average daily use of cosmetics was higher in students whose use of cosmetics was high in their family (p = 0.024) and friends (p-value = 0.023). Prototypes were the strongest predictor of using cosmetics (OR = 1.317, p-value <0.001), followed by attitude (OR = 1.241, p-value <0.001).

Conclusion

Prototypes (social imagination) and attitudes were the main predictors of using cosmetics among female students. To be effective in targeting cosmetic use, interventions must target both social and individual paths.

A Multi-Method Study Examining the Role of Swiping on Dating Apps: Mate Value Preferences, Sexual Satisfaction, and Need Satisfaction with Matches in Emerging Adults

Intrinsic (i.e., personality traits) and extrinsic mate value (i.e., resources, physical attractiveness) preferences play a crucial role in (online) relationship formation. The role of mate values in dating applications was unclear and was addressed in a multi-method study. A first content analytical study examined the prevalence of mate values (MVs) on Tinder profiles (Study 1) and two subsequent cross-sectional studies explored the relationships between dating app use, various swiping behaviors, sexual satisfaction (Studies 2-3), need satisfaction with matches (Study 3), having a committed relationship versus casual sex motivation for using dating apps and users' gender. The content analysis of 307 Tinder profiles indicated that resources and physical attractiveness were most salient in biographies and pictures, respectively. The first cross-sectional study (nfullsample = 325, ndating app users = 133) revealed no significant relationships between dating app frequency/swiping frequency, intrinsic and extrinsic MV preferences, and sexual satisfaction. The second cross-sectional study (n = 323) showed no significant relationships between picture-based or biography-based swiping, intrinsic and extrinsic MV preferences, and need satisfaction with matches. Gender differences emerged in the presentation of MVs on Tinder (Study 1) and general MV preferences (Study 2-3), but not in the relationships between different types of dating app use/swiping and MV preferences (Study 2-3). A committed relationship and a casual sex motivation played a role in the relationships between different types of swiping behaviors and MV preferences, and between MV preferences, and sexual satisfaction/need satisfaction with matches.

Effectiveness of a Theory-Based Digital Animated Video Intervention to Reduce Intention and Willingness to Sext Among Diploma Students: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Sexting refers to the exchange of sexually explicit digital content in the form of texts, photos, or videos. In recent years, sexting has become a public health concern. Surveys in Malaysia show a high prevalence of young adults engaged in sexting. Given that sexting is associated with sexual risk behavior, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, this behavior needs intervention to alleviate the resulting public health burden. However, there is a scarcity of theory-based intervention programs on the prevention of intention and willingness to sext among young adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and implement a sexting intervention module guided by the prototype willingness model (PWM), delivered using web-based animated video, and evaluate its effectiveness among diploma students from a public higher educational institution. The primary outcomes were intention and willingness to sext, while the secondary outcomes were knowledge, attitude, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions of sexting.

METHODS

This 2-armed, parallel, single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public higher educational institution in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. Diploma students from 12 programs were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Both groups answered a self-administered web-based questionnaire assessing the outcomes at the baseline. The intervention group received a newly developed intervention module based on the PWM in the form of 5 animated videos posted on a private YouTube platform, while the control group was put on the waitlist. The intervention group was encouraged to discuss any issues raised with the researchers via WhatsApp private chat after viewing the videos. All participants were observed immediately and 3 months postintervention. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

RESULTS

There were a total of 300 participants with an attrition rate of 8.3% (n=25). After adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and the amount of time spent on the web, there were significant differences in the intention to sext (β=-.12; P=.002; Cohen d=0.23), willingness to sext (β=-.16; P<.001; Cohen d=0.40), knowledge (β=.12; P<.001; Cohen d=0.39), attitude (β=-.11; P=.001; Cohen d=0.31), perceived norms (β=-.06; P=.04; Cohen d=0.18), and prototype perceptions (β=-.11; P<.001; Cohen d=0.35) between the intervention and control groups over 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the sexting intervention module using the PWM that was delivered via web-based animated videos was effective in reducing intention and willingness to sext as well as in improving knowledge of sexting, attitudes, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions. Therefore, relevant agencies involved in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health among young adults in Malaysia can consider the implementation of this module.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20201010002; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20201002001.

Sending, receiving, and nonconsensually sharing nude or near-nude images by youth

INTRODUCTION

There is growing evidence about the prevalence of sending, receiving, or resharing nude images by youth (sexting). Less is known about the demographic, technology use, and social context correlates of sexting. Using logistic regression, we looked at predictors of sexting behaviors in minors.

METHODS

Participants were a market panel sample of 394 youths aged 9-12 and 602 youths aged 13-17 (M_age  = 13.5, SD = 2.50, 60.3% females) recruited for an anonymous online survey in the United States. The survey comprised questions about demographic characteristics, sexting behaviors, technology use, attitudes, and perceived norms. The four outcomes were sending nude or near-nude images or videos (images), receiving images sent without the depicted person's knowledge, nonconsensually resharing images, or having one's own images nonconsensually reshared.

RESULTS

Regression analyses showed gender, gender/sexual minority status, use of dating apps and particular online platforms, self-sharing and resharing attitudes, and friend norms predicted sending images. Age, resharing attitudes, and friend norms all predicted receiving nude images of other youths. Household income, geographic location, some online platforms, resharing attitudes, and friend norms all predicted nonconsensual resharing of nudes. Age, use of encrypted apps, and friend norms predicted having one's own image nonconsensually reshared.

CONCLUSIONS

We partially replicated prior research by finding associations between age and gender. Further, we identified technology use factors including the use of dating apps and particular platforms. Attitudes about sexting and perceived friend norms were robust across sexting behaviors, suggesting these factors are potentially important for intervention.

Behind the Screens: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Research on Mobile Dating

Mobile dating applications (MDAs) have become commonly used tools to seek out dating and sexual partners online. The current review aimed to systematically synthesize empirical findings in 72 quantitative studies on mobile dating, published in ISI-ranked journals between 2014 and 2020. This review focused on summarizing different approaches toward mobile dating, identity features of quantitative research on mobile dating, and hypothesized antecedents and outcomes of mobile dating. Our findings showed, first, that the literature diverges in how mobile dating is operationalized. Second, quantitative research on mobile dating predominantly consists of cross-sectional studies that draw on theoretical insights from multiple disciplines. Third, a variety of traits and sociodemographics were associated with MDA use. In particular, using MDAs for (1) relational goals related to being male, non-heterosexual, higher levels of sociosexuality, sensation seeking, extraversion, and holding more positive peer norms about using MDAs for relational goals; (2) intrapersonal goals related to being female and having more socially impairing traits; and (3) entertainment goals related to having higher levels of sociosexuality, sensation seeking, and antisocial traits. Outcomes significantly associated with general use of MDAs were scoring higher on sexual permissiveness and on engaging in casual (unprotected) sexual intercourse, as well as having higher risk at nonconsensual sex. MDA use was also connected with increased psychological distress and body dissatisfaction. Shortcomings of the existing research approaches and measures are discussed and six methodological and theoretical recommendations for future research are provided.

Prevalence of Sexting among Greek University Students: A Matter of Relationships?

The study examines sexting among 3,171 Greek university students in the context of different relationship types (i.e. romantic partners, friends, strangers). Participants completed an anonymous online survey, assessing sexting during the last year along with demographic and relationship status information. Sexting was a common practice among participants, with the use of mobile phones and the Messenger application to exchange sexts. Sexting was more common among males and non-heterosexuals. Participants aged 25 and above were more likely to exchange sexts with strangers than those aged between 18 and 24. Romantic partners reported exchanging sexts more often than strangers. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that non-heterosexual males in a long-distance romantic relationship were more likely to participate in sexting, and that non-heterosexual older males who have been single for the last year were more likely to exchange sexual or provocative messages with strangers. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications.

Television, News Media, Social Media and Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Violations of the COVID-19 Lockdown Measures: A Prototype Willingness Model

During the COVID-19 pandemic, television and social media informed and entertained people. This cross-sectional study among adolescents and young adults (n = 859, 71.94% female, M_age = 20.55, SD_age = 4.59) examined the associations between pro- and anti-governmental (social) media and youth’s violations of the lockdown measures following the prototype willingness model (PWM). Data were collected during Belgium’s first and strictest lockdown. The results largely confirmed the applicability of the PWM in a public health context. Posting of and exposure to anti-governmental social media messages positively related to violations of the regulations via higher descriptive norm perceptions of peers violating the measures and positive attitudes towards violations. Pro-governmental media interactions (i.e., exposure to news media and pro-governmental social media messages) negatively related to violations via negative attitudes towards violations. No support emerged for the role of (televised) series, prototype favorability, or subjective norms in the PWM. Differences in posting versus exposure of social media messages were found. Posting generally related stronger to risk cognitions and behaviors compared to exposure. Gender and age moderated some of the examined relations in the PWM. Implications for media research and health campaigns are discussed.

Bipolar disorder and regretted behavior in relation to use of social media and online dating

OBJECTIVES

Individuals with bipolar disorder are prone to risk-taking behavior that is subsequently regretted. Here, we investigated whether this also occurs in relation to the use of social media and online dating.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey focusing on the use of social media and online dating was conducted among individuals attending an outpatient clinic for bipolar disorder, and among individuals attending two general practices in the same region (controls). The association between bipolar disorder and self-reported regretted behavior on social media/online dating sites was investigated using logistic regression with adjustment for age and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 124 individuals with bipolar disorder and 196 individuals without affective disorder from the general practices (controls) formed the study sample. Among the individuals with bipolar disorder who used social media, 66% reported regretted behavior as a consequence of this use, whereas only 31% of the controls reported such behavior. The corresponding numbers for individuals who used online dating were 65% for those with bipolar disorder and 31% for the controls. Following adjustment for age and sex, bipolar disorder was associated with elevated risk of regretted behavior in relation to the use of both social media (adjusted odds ratio: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 5.9) and online dating (adjusted odds ratio: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.1, 8.0).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that risk-taking behavior and subsequent regret among individuals with bipolar disorder extend to social media and online dating. Cautious use of these platforms may be particularly relevant for individuals with bipolar disorder.

Love in the Time of Corona: Predicting Willingness to Engage in Sexting During the First COVID-19-Related Lockdown

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, in early 2020, lockdowns limited the options for physical intimacy and many resorted to technology-mediated forms of intimacy such as sexting. However, it is unclear what predicted willingness to engage in sexting during the lockdown. The present study filled this gap by investigating COVID-19-related social isolation, privacy concerns, age, and gender as predictors of willingness to engage in sexting. We further examined an interaction of COVID-19-related social isolation and privacy concerns on willingness to engage in sexting. We conducted online surveys with 494 young adults (Study 1) and with a quota-based sample of 437 adults (Study 2) in Austria. In both studies, negative binomial regressions revealed a positive effect of COVID-19-related social isolation on willingness to engage in sexting. Privacy concerns hindered young adults in Study 1 from engaging in sexting but not relatively older adults in Study 2. However, in neither study did privacy concerns moderate the effect of COVID-19-related social isolation on willingness to engage in sexting: Even individuals with high privacy concerns were more willing to sext under conditions of social isolation, suggesting that the need for intimacy outweighed the need for privacy protection. Gender had no effect in either study, indicating that men and women used sexting to cope with the unprecedented COVID-19-related situation.

Love in the Time of Corona: Predicting Willingness to Engage in Sexting During the First COVID-19-Related Lockdown

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, in early 2020, lockdowns limited the options for physical intimacy and many resorted to technology-mediated forms of intimacy such as sexting. However, it is unclear what predicted willingness to engage in sexting during the lockdown. The present study filled this gap by investigating COVID-19-related social isolation, privacy concerns, age, and gender as predictors of willingness to engage in sexting. We further examined an interaction of COVID-19-related social isolation and privacy concerns on willingness to engage in sexting. We conducted online surveys with 494 young adults (Study 1) and with a quota-based sample of 437 adults (Study 2) in Austria. In both studies, negative binomial regressions revealed a positive effect of COVID-19-related social isolation on willingness to engage in sexting. Privacy concerns hindered young adults in Study 1 from engaging in sexting but not relatively older adults in Study 2. However, in neither study did privacy concerns moderate the effect of COVID-19-related social isolation on willingness to engage in sexting: Even individuals with high privacy concerns were more willing to sext under conditions of social isolation, suggesting that the need for intimacy outweighed the need for privacy protection. Gender had no effect in either study, indicating that men and women used sexting to cope with the unprecedented COVID-19-related situation.

The Relationship between Drug Consumption and Dating App Use: Results from an Italian Survey

To date, the literature regarding the relationship between drug consumption and dating app use is still very scant and inconclusive. The present study was thus aimed at investigating the association between drug consumption and dating app use in the general population. A total of 1278 Italian respondents completed an online ad hoc questionnaire assessing drug consumption (cannabis versus other illicit drugs), dating app use, the primary motive for installing dating apps, and demographics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were run to investigate the role of demographics and dating app use on drug consumption. Being single predicted cannabis use. Using dating apps accounted for higher odds of cannabis use; however, people who intensely used the apps were less likely to consume marijuana. Conversely, dating app use was not associated with the consumption of other drugs. This study suggests the presence of common underlying factors between dating app use and cannabis use, and it highlights the mediating role of the intensity of app use. Conversely, the study suggests that dating app use and the use of other drugs are quite independent behaviors.

Dating Apps and Their Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates: A Systematic Review

The emergence and popularization of dating apps have changed the way people meet and interact with potential romantic and sexual partners. In parallel with the increased use of these applications, a remarkable scientific literature has developed. However, due to the recency of the phenomenon, some gaps in the existing research can be expected. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the empirical research of the psychosocial content published in the last five years (2016–2020) on dating apps. A search was conducted in different databases, and we identified 502 articles in our initial search. After screening titles and abstracts and examining articles in detail, 70 studies were included in the review. The most relevant data (author/s and year, sample size and characteristics, methodology) and their findings were extracted from each study and grouped into four blocks: user dating apps characteristics, usage characteristics, motives for use, and benefits and risks of use. The limitations of the literature consulted are discussed, as well as the practical implications of the results obtained, highlighting the relevance of dating apps, which have become a tool widely used by millions of people around the world.

What's really 'Happning'? A forensic analysis of Android and iOS Happn dating apps

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Forensic analysis of Android and iOS Happn dating apps.

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iTunes backup artifacts from Happn mobile app forensics.

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Physical image and network traffic artifacts from Happn forensics.

With today’s world revolving around online interaction, dating applications (apps) are a prime example of how people are able to discover and converse with others that may share similar interests or lifestyles, including during the recent COVID-19 lockdowns. To connect the users, geolocation is often utilized. However, with each new app comes the possibility of criminal exploitation. For example, while apps with geolocation feature are intended for users to provide personal information that drive their search to meet someone, that same information can be used by hackers or forensic analysts to gain access to personal data, albeit for different purposes. This paper examines the Happn dating app (versions 9.6.2, 9.7, and 9.8 for iOS devices, and versions 3.0.22 and 24.18.0 for Android devices), which geographically works differently compared to most notable dating apps by providing users with profiles of other users that might have passed by them or in the general radius of their location. Encompassing both iOS and Android devices along with eight varying user profiles with diverse backgrounds, this study aims to explore the potential for a malicious actor to uncover the personal information of another user by identifying artifacts that may pertain to sensitive user data.