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Gori A, Topino E, Griffiths MD. The Problematic Online Dating Apps Use Scale (PODAUS): Development and evaluation of its psychometric properties. Addict Behav Rep 2024; 19:100533. [PMID: 38357528 PMCID: PMC10864872 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2024.100533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The internet has facilitated significant transformations in interpersonal interactions, and offers new possibilities for finding romantic partners through the use of online dating apps. However, as with other technology-based tools, some individuals can develop problematic patterns of dating apps use, exhibiting symptoms resembling addiction. Consequently, the aim of the present study was the development of a new psychometric instrument to assess problematic dating apps use, the Problematic Online Dating Apps Use Scale (PODAUS), and the examination of its psychometric properties. The sample comprised 384 participants (254 females and 130 males; Mage=25.90 years; SD=5.21) who used dating apps daily. They completed an online survey including the PODAUS, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Cyber Pornography Addiction Test, Love Addiction Inventory-Short-Form, and Ten-Item Personality Inventory. The PODAUS showed a one-factor structure with good indications of validity, reliability, and gender measurement invariance. Problematic online dating apps use was significantly associated with problematic social media use, problematic cyberpornography use, love addiction, and three personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness). The PODAUS is a new and succinct self-report measure that assesses problematic dating apps use, and can be easily used in both research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Florence, Italy
- Integrated Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
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Vera Cruz G, Aboujaoude E, Rochat L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Khazaal Y. Online dating: predictors of problematic tinder use. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:106. [PMID: 38424651 PMCID: PMC10905798 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geolocation apps have radically transformed dating practices around the world, with profound sociocultural implications. Few studies, however, have explored their addictive potential or factors that are associated with their misuse. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to assess the level of problematic Tinder use (PTU) in an adult sample, using a machine learning algorithm to determine, among 29 relevant variables, the most important predictors of PTU. METHODS 1,387 users of Tinder (18-74 years-old; male = 50.3%; female = 49.1%) completed an online questionnaire, and a machine learning tool was used to analyze their responses. RESULTS On 5-point scale, participants' mean PTU score was 1.91 (SD = 0.70), indicating a relatively low overall level of problematic app use. Among the most important predictors of Problematic use were the use of Tinder for enhancement (reduce boredom and increase positive emotions), coping with psychological problems, and increasing social connectedness. The number of "matches" (when two users show mutual interest), the number of online contacts on Tinder, and the number of resulting offline dates were also among the top predictors of PTU. Depressive mood and loneliness were among the middle-ranked predictors of PTU. CONCLUSION In accordance with the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model of problematic internet use, the results suggest that PTU relates to how individual experience on the app interacts with dispositional and situational characteristics. However, variables that seemed to relate to PTU, including lack of self-esteem, negative mood states and loneliness, are not problems that online dating services as currently designed can be expected to resolve. This argues for increased digital services to identify and address potential problems helping drive the popularity of dating apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, CRP-CPO, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, UR, 7273, France.
| | - Elias Aboujaoude
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lucien Rochat
- Addiction Division, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Preventive & Integrative Medicine, Clinique des Grangettes and Center for Internal Medicine and its Specialties, Clinique La Colline, Hirslanden Group, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal and Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Montreal University, Montreal, Canada.
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Vera Cruz G, Aboujaoude E, Rochat L, Bianchi-Demichelli F, Khazaal Y. Finding Intimacy Online: A Machine Learning Analysis of Predictors of Success. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023. [PMID: 37352415 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
While an extensive scientific literature now exists on the use of online dating services, there are very few studies on user satisfaction with dating apps and with the resulting offline dates. This study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction with Tinder use (STU) and the level of satisfaction with Tinder offline dates (STOD) in a sample of adult users of the app. The study also aimed to examine, among 28 variables, those that are the most important in predicting STU and STOD. Overall, 1,387 Tinder users completed an online questionnaire. A machine learning model was used to rank order predictors from most to least important. On a 4-point scale, participants' mean STU score was 2.39, and, on a 5-point scale, mean STOD score was 3.05. The results indicate that satisfaction with dating apps and with resulting offline dates is strongly predicted by participants' age and by their motives for using Tinder (enhancement, emotional coping, socialization, finding "true love," or casual sexual partners), whereas the variables negatively associated with satisfaction were those related to psychopathology. Interestingly, 65.3 percent of app users were married or "in a relationship," and only 50.3 percent of app users were using it to meet someone offline. Generally, participants who engage with the app to cope with personal difficulties seem more likely to report higher levels of dissatisfaction, suggesting that dating apps are a poor coping mechanism and highlighting the need to address underlying problems or pathologies that may be driving their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Vera Cruz
- Department of Psychology, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Elias Aboujaoude
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lucien Rochat
- Addiction Division, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bianchi-Demichelli
- Sexual Medicine Consultation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Preventive & Integrative Medicine, Clinique des Grangettes and Center for Internal Medicine and Its Specialties, Clinique La Colline, Hirslanden Group, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal and Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Montreal University, Montreal, Canada
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Bonilla-Zorita G, Griffiths MD, Kuss DJ. Dating App Use and Wellbeing: An Application-Based Pilot Study Employing Ecological Momentary Assessment and Objective Measures of Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095631. [PMID: 37174151 PMCID: PMC10178613 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Smartphones are part of individuals' daily lifestyles, as are smartphone applications such as dating apps. Previous evidence suggests that high engagement in dating applications can be detrimental to some users' wellbeing. However, much of the published research has relied on cross-sectional studies and self-report measures. Therefore, the present study aims to overcome the limitations of subjective measures in cross-sectional designs by investigating for the first time the relationship between dating app users' wellbeing (self-esteem, craving and mood) and objective measures of their use during a one-week period. To do this, the present study employed a newly developed application, DiaryMood and utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA), as it measured subjects' mood, self-esteem and craving three times per day and the time spent using the dating apps per day during one week. A convenience sample of 22 online dating app users participated in the present study. Findings from a three-level multilevel analysis indicated that increased time spent on dating apps predicted craving among dating app users and that notifications led to an improved mood and higher self-esteem. The results are discussed in relation to previous online dating studies. In sum, the present study sets a precedent for the use of EMA within the scope of online dating research, which may promote further studies adopting this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bonilla-Zorita
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Daria J Kuss
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
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Associations between online dating platform use and mental and sexual health among a mixed sexuality college student sample. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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Liberacka-Dwojak M, Khazaal Y, Wiłkość-Dębczyńska M, Kukuła D, Chechłowska A, Kozłowska A, Przywitowska N, Jeannot E. Validation of the Polish Problematic Tinder Use Scale and Its Relationship with Safe Sex Behaviors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3997. [PMID: 36901007 PMCID: PMC10001579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Online dating is a common phenomenon. The manageability and access of the application allows people to quickly reach many potential partners, which can increase risky sexual behaviors. The Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS) was developed and validated in a Polish population by analyzing the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the responses given by Polish-speaking participants. METHODS Two samples of adult Tinder users were recruited online. The first study aimed to perform the reliability coefficient Cronbach's, interrater analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The second sample was recruited to investigate the factor structure by combining it with the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). The sociodemographic data, such as hours of use and number of dates, were also investigated. RESULTS The Polish participants' responses to the PTUS (sample 1: N = 271, sample 2: N = 162) revealed the one-factor structure of the tool. The reliability of the measurement was α = 0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The results showed a significant, negative, and weak correlation between the PTUS and SSBQ scores and their subscales: risky sexual behaviors (r = -0.18), condom use (r = -0.22), and avoidance of body fluids (r = -0.17). Moreover, the number of partners met in the real world had a statistically significant, moderate relationship with the PTUS scores. CONCLUSIONS The PTUS measurement is valid and reliable for the Polish population. The findings highlight the need for harm prevention strategies related to potentially addictive Tinder use, as well as the possible risky sexual behaviors associated with dating app use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Daria Kukuła
- Department of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Chechłowska
- Department of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Nikola Przywitowska
- Department of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Emilien Jeannot
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chemin de Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Rochat L, Orita E, Jeannot E, Achab S, Khazaal Y. Willingness to Pay for a Dating App: Psychological Correlates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2101. [PMID: 36767468 PMCID: PMC9916160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The smartphone dating app, Tinder, has become hugely popular in recent years. Although most people use a free version of the app, some pay for an augmented version to improve their experience. However, there is little evidence of the association between the willingness to pay for a dating app such as Tinder and users' psychological characteristics. This study thus aims to compare Tinder paying versus non-paying users in terms of their pattern of use, excessive use of Tinder, motives for using Tinder, impulsivity traits, depressive mood, and sociodemographic variables, as well as to examine which variables best predict group membership. A total of 1159 Tinder users participated in an online survey. Group comparisons indicated that payers were more frequently male, reported greater motives for using Tinder than non-payers, and differed in their pattern of use compared with non-payers. Impulsivity traits did not significantly differ between the two groups. Being male and reporting greater motives for Tinder use significantly predicted being a payer. These findings provide insights into the processes that stimulate users' greater consumption of online dating apps, such as reinforcement mechanisms and reward sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Rochat
- UniDistance Suisse, Faculty of Psychology, Schinerstrasse 18, 3900 Brig, Switzerland
- ReConnecte Treatment Centre, Addiction Division, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue du Grand-Pré 70C, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elena Orita
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne University, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emilien Jeannot
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Bugnon 23 a, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chemin de Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- ReConnecte Treatment Centre, Addiction Division, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue du Grand-Pré 70C, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical and Sociological Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Bugnon 23 a, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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99+ Matches But A Spark Ain’t One: Adverse Psychological Effects of Excessive Swiping on Young Dating App Users. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2023.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Mayshak R, Howard D, Benstead M, Klas A, Skvarc D, Harries T, Patafio B, Sleep A, King R, Hyder S. Dating in the dark: A qualitative examination of dating experiences in dark tetrad personalities. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Khazaal Y, El Abiddine FZ, Penzenstadler L, Berbiche D, Bteich G, Valizadeh-Haghi S, Rochat L, Achab S, Khan R, Chatton A. Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Arab Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) by Item Response Theory Modeling (IRT). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12099. [PMID: 36231401 PMCID: PMC9566183 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The psychometric properties of the Arab translation of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) have been previously studied by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with AMOS software using the asymptotically distribution-free (ADF) estimator. Unidimensionality has been achieved at the cost of correlating several item variance errors. However, several reviews of SEM software packages and estimation methods indicate that the option of robust standard errors is not present in the AMOS package and that ADF estimation may yield biased parameter estimates. We therefore explored a second analysis through item response theory (IRT) using the parametric graded response model (GRM) and the marginal maximum likelihood (MML) estimation method embedded in the LTM package of R software. Differential item functioning (DIF) or item bias across subpopulations was also explored within IRT framework as different samples were investigated. The objective of the current study is to (1) analyze the Arab CIUS scale with IRT, (2) investigate DIF in three samples, and (3) contribute to the ongoing debate on Internet-use-related addictive behaviors using the CIUS items as a proxy. METHODS We assessed three samples of people, one in Algeria and two in Lebanon, with a total of 1520 participants. RESULTS Almost three out of every five items were highly related to the latent construct. However, the unidimensionality hypothesis was not supported. Furthermore, besides being locally dependent, the scale may be weakened by DIF across geographic regions. Some of the CIUS items related to increasing priority, impaired control, continued use despite harm, and functional impairment as well as withdrawal and coping showed good discriminative capabilities. Those items were endorsed more frequently than other CIUS items in people with higher levels of addictive Internet use. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to earlier ADF estimation findings, unidimensionality of the CIUS scale was not supported by IRT parametric GRM in a large sample of Arab speaking participants. The results may be helpful for scale revision. By proxy, the study contributes to testing the validity of addiction criteria applied to Internet use related-addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Montréal University, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Fares Zine El Abiddine
- Laboratory Psychological and Educational Research, Department of Psychology, University Djillali Liabes of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria
| | - Louise Penzenstadler
- Addiction Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Djamal Berbiche
- Charles-LeMoyne Hospital Research Centre, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Ghada Bteich
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanon University, Tripoli P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon
| | - Saeideh Valizadeh-Haghi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lucien Rochat
- Addiction Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Addiction Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riaz Khan
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Frontier Medical College Affiliated to Bahria University Islamabad, Abbottabad 22010, Pakistan
| | - Anne Chatton
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Coffey JK, Bond DK, Stern JA, Van Why N. Sexual Experiences and Attachment Styles in Online and Offline Dating Contexts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:665-678. [PMID: 36776752 PMCID: PMC9916622 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2110349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nearly 50% of adults under age 29 report using some form of online dating to find sexual partners or romantic relationships. Limited evidence suggests online and offline dating behaviors and experiences can vary. We aimed to expand understanding these differences by examining how attachment styles are associated with online and offline search for partners and emotional responses to sexual experiences. In a sample of single adults (N = 247; M age= 27.34), we examine how attachment styles relate to individual differences in how people search for partners and respond to sexual experiences with partners met online and offline. Individuals high in attachment anxiety reported higher use of online dating apps and more negative experiences (e.g., lower satisfaction, more guilt) following their most recent sexual encounters with partners met online and offline, and reported feeling more used after engaging in sexual activity specifically with partners met offline. Individuals high in avoidance also reported more negative experiences following their most recent sexual encounters, but only with partners met offline. This study moves our understanding by highlighting nuances in how attachment insecurity is associated with differences in online dating app use and emotions following sexual experiences when meeting partners online and offline.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Coffey
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Psychology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
| | - D. Kyle Bond
- 3SHIFT: A Psychological Corporation, A Psychological Corporation, USA
| | - Jessica A. Stern
- Psychology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Natalie Van Why
- Psychology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
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Konings F, Sumter SR, Vranken I, Dredge R, Vandenbosch L. Behind the Screens: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Research on Mobile Dating. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2969-3020. [PMID: 35790613 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02312-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Konings
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sindy R Sumter
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse Vranken
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rebecca Dredge
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandenbosch
- School for Mass Communication Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Ponseti J, Diehl K, Stirn AV. Is Dating Behavior in Digital Contexts Driven by Evolutionary Programs? A Selective Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:678439. [PMID: 35295383 PMCID: PMC8919078 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.678439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, millions of citizens all over the world have used digital dating services. It remains unknown to what extent human sexuality will be changed by this. Based on an evolutionary psychological perspective, we assume that sexual selection shaped behavioural tendencies in men and women that are designed to increase the reproductive fitness. These tendencies are referred to as sexual strategies. Males and females sexual strategies differ according to sex-dimorphic reproductive investments. We assume that this inheritance will affect human sexuality also in a digital future. To evaluate this assumption, we conducted a selective review of studies on digital dating services. Based on sexual selection theory, we derived a number of hypotheses regarding how men and women will use digital dating services typically and how the use of digital dating services might affect sexual wellbeing. Out of an initial data set of 2,568 records, we finally reviewed a set of 13 studies. These studies provided support for the notion that men and women act in the digital dating area according to sex-typical strategies. However, sometimes the circumstances of digital dating affect communication flow, e.g., in that men are even more active in establishing contacts than they are in real world conditions. Overall, women appear to accomplish their sexual goals in digital dating arenas more than men do given a surplus of male demand. Our results suggest that future human sexuality will be impacted by an interaction of both: sex-dimorphic ancient sexual strategies and new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ponseti
- Institute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Mobile Dating Applications and the Sexual Self: A Cluster Analysis of Users' Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031535. [PMID: 35162558 PMCID: PMC8834731 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The online environment has had a profound sociocultural impact, and its implications pose new challenges to modern-day societies. The digital sexual and dating domains have dramatically affected sexual and romantic behavior and norms, and yet, no empirical studies have addressed the role of the sexual self-concept in driving sexual and romantic online behavior. The aim of this study is to identify reliable sexual self-configurations through a cluster analysis approach and determine whether these profiles are informative in relation to app use motives and sexual outcomes. For this purpose, a total of 244 subjects were recruited. Survey questions measured a set of demographic parameters, motives for app use, online sexual activities, attachment orientations, the sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction. Five clusters were identified, including two with high levels of sexual drive (“Driven” and “Adventurous”), two with low levels of sexual drive (“Unassured” and “Naïve”) and one with an intermediate level of sexual drive (“Competent”). The clusters differed on gender, attachment styles, app use patterns and sexual characteristics. These findings provide insight into how the sexual self-concept relates to the interaction between individuals and the online sexual and dating scenes.
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Dürnberger C, Springer S. Wanna See My Dog Pic? A Comparative Observational Study of the Presentation of Animals on Online Dating Profiles in Vienna and Tokyo. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030230. [PMID: 35158554 PMCID: PMC8833676 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Online dating applications offer new ways for people to search for social contacts. While previous studies have indicated that the inclusion of animals in profiles can increase users’ dating success rates, the question of how many users display animals, and what kinds of animals are shown on dating profiles, has not yet been empirically investigated. Using a structured observational study of profiles in Vienna and Tokyo on a popular online dating app (n = 2400), we therefore looked at how many profiles show animals and what kinds of animals are shown. We found that 15.5% of the investigated profiles had at least one photo showing an animal. In both cities, dogs were the most frequently shown animal. Taking the cities together, they appeared in 46.4% of the animal pictures, as compared with cats at 25.7%. Other animals such as exotic animals (9.9%), farm animals (6.4%) or horses (4.6%) played a minor role. Users were significantly more likely to show cats in Tokyo (35.8%) than they were in Vienna (18.0%). We found that users in Vienna; women; and older adults were more likely to present animals on their profiles than were users in Tokyo; men; and younger users. Sexual orientation showed no significant differences in the analyses.
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Cohen D, Teodorescu K. On the Effect of Practice on Exploration and Exploitation of Options and Strategies. Front Psychol 2021; 12:725690. [PMID: 34867606 PMCID: PMC8632697 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient exploration of one's surroundings is at the root of many real-life problems, as demonstrated by many famous biases (e.g., the status quo bias, learned helplessness). The current work focuses on the emergence of this phenomenon at the strategy level: the tendency to under-explore the set of available choice strategies. We demonstrate that insufficient exploration of strategies can also manifest as excessive exploration between options. In such cases, interventions aimed at improving choices by reducing the costs of exploration of options are likely to fail. In Study 1, participants faced an exploration task that implies an infinite number of choice strategies and a small sub-set of (near) optimal solutions. We manipulated the amount of practice participants underwent during the first, shorter game and compared their performance in a second, longer game with an identical payoff structure. Our results show that regardless of the amount of practice, participants in all experimental groups tended to under-explore the strategy space and relied on a specific strategy that implied over-exploration of the option space. That is, under-exploration of strategies was manifested as over-exploration of options. In Study 2, we added a constraint that, on a subset of practice trials, forced participants to exploit familiar options. This manipulation almost doubled the per-trial average outcome on the comparable longer second game. This suggests that forcing participants to experience the effects of different (underexplored) strategy components during practice can greatly increase the chance they make better choices later on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Cohen
- Center for Economic Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Hegbe KG, Réveillère C, Barrault S. Sexual Addiction and Associated Factors: The Role of Emotion Dysregulation, Impulsivity, Anxiety and Depression. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:785-803. [PMID: 34338617 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1952361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present research aimed to study the relationship between emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, anxiety, depression and sexual addiction. A survey was conducted among 398 voluntary subjects recruited online through specialized forums. The participants completed validated questionnaires. Our results showed that individuals with sexual addiction reported more difficulty regulating emotions and higher levels of impulsivity than those individuals who were not defined as having a sexual addiction. In addition, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with sexual addiction. Furthermore, anxiety and depression seemed to partially mediate the links between impulsivity, emotion dysregulation and this addiction. Finally, emotion dysregulation and impulsivity had mediating effects on the relationship between anxious-depressive affects and sexual addiction. Despite the limitations of this study, our results seem to be consistent with the literature on sexual addiction and have clinical and research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlan Gnimavo Hegbe
- PRES Centre-Val de Loire University, Qualipsy EE 1901, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christian Réveillère
- PRES Centre-Val de Loire University, Qualipsy EE 1901, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Servane Barrault
- PRES Centre-Val de Loire University, Qualipsy EE 1901, University of Tours, Tours, France
- CHRU of Tours, CSAPA 37 (Centre de Soins d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie), Tours, Cedex, France
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The Association between Dating Apps and Alcohol Consumption in an Italian Sample of Active Users, Former Users, and Non-Users. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci10070249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the relationship between alcohol use and dating app use has been investigated mostly in conjunction with sexual activities and in homosexual men. For this reason, the aim of this study was to explore the association between dating app use and alcohol consumption among the general population. A cross-sectional study was conducted including app users, non-users, and former users: 1278 respondents completed an online ad hoc questionnaire assessing dating app use, motivations for installing dating apps, alcohol use, and demographics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was run to investigate the association between dating app use, demographic features, and alcohol consumption. Whereas educational level, age, and gender significantly contributed to the regular consumption of alcohol, dating app use did not account for a significant amount of variance between regular and not regular drinkers. However, people who installed and used dating apps with the motivation of searching for sexual partners were more likely to be regular drinkers. Among the active users, heavy app users were less likely to drink regularly. The study indicates that underlying factors (sexual aspects, motives for using the apps) and the intensity of using the apps may mediate the relationship between dating app use and alcohol use.
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Castro Á, Barrada JR. Dating Apps and Their Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186500. [PMID: 32906632 PMCID: PMC7557852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Castro-Calvo J, Gil-Llario MD, Giménez-García C, Gil-Juliá B, Ballester-Arnal R. Occurrence and clinical characteristics of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD): A cluster analysis in two independent community samples. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:446-468. [PMID: 32554840 PMCID: PMC8939411 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is characterized by a persistent failure to control intense and recurrent sexual impulses, urges, and/or thoughts, resulting in repetitive sexual behavior that causes a marked impairment in important areas of functioning. Despite its recent inclusion in the forthcoming ICD-11, concerns regarding its assessment, diagnosis, prevalence or clinical characteristics remain. The purpose of this study was to identify participants displaying CSBD through a novel data-driven approach in two independent samples and outline their sociodemographic, sexual, and clinical profile. METHODS Sample 1 included 1,581 university students (females = 56.9%; Mage = 20.58) whereas sample 2 comprised 1,318 community members (females = 43.6%; Mage = 32.37). First, we developed a new composite index to assess the whole range of CSBD symptoms based on three previously validated scales. Based on this new composite index, we subsequently identified individuals with CSBD through a cluster analytic approach. RESULTS The estimated occurrence of CSBD was 10.12% in sample 1 and 7.81% in sample 2. Participants with CSBD were mostly heterosexual males, younger than respondents without CSBD, reported higher levels of sexual sensation seeking and erotophilia, an increased offline and especially online sexual activity, more depressive and anxious symptoms, and poorer self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS This research provides further evidence on the occurrence of CSBD based on an alternative data-driven approach, as well as a detailed and nuanced description of the sociodemographic, sexual, and clinical profile of adults with this condition. Clinical implications derived from these findings are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Castro-Calvo
- Dpto. Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Estudi General, Valencia, Spain,Correspondence author. Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, Valencia, 46010, Spain. Tel.: +34 963 983395; fax: +34 963 864669. E-mail:
| | - M. D. Gil-Llario
- Dpto. Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universitat de València, Estudi General, Valencia, Spain
| | - C. Giménez-García
- Dpto. Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - B. Gil-Juliá
- Dpto. Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Estudi General, Valencia, Spain
| | - R. Ballester-Arnal
- Dpto. Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
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