Impact of Online Dating Apps on Young Adults Dating Anxiety and Loneliness

Abstract

In today’s era where there is an extensive usage of Internet and social media, even dating has also become a part of it. The most interesting development of modern world is the invention of online dating apps wherein finding a potential partner for a romantic relationship is just a matter of swiping right and left. Dating apps are becoming more and more popular amongst young adults as it is more convenient to search for a potential partner through online dating apps. Despite its easy way of communicating with people to find a partner for dating, it somewhere lacks an element of social interaction or expression which is an essential part of any kind of relationship which might lead to social anxiety when it comes to interacting with that person on a face-to-face basis. Loneliness and boredom can also lead to rise in usage of dating apps. The current study aims to find the motivation behind using the online dating apps and its impact on young adults dating anxiety and loneliness. The study was conducted on 66 young adults (33 males and 33 females). Standardized scales of motivation behind using online dating apps, dating anxiety and loneliness were administered on participants. The results found no gender difference in males and females. Although it was believed that males are more active on online dating apps than females but the results found were contradicting, indicating no gender difference in males and females. Dating apps are considered favorable by young adults because of its easy access, anonymity and lesser emotional exhaustion.