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Online dating : A threat to our mental wellbeing or the self-validation we need?

Sanhaji, M. (2020) Online dating : A threat to our mental wellbeing or the self-validation we need?

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Abstract:Background Nowadays online dating is a common way to meet a romantic partner, a friend or a one-night stand. Many users enjoy the advantage of increasing possibilities to get to know multiple potential partners simultaneously. However, with numerous potential dates, numerous rejections tend to follow. Therefore, possible negative consequences on self-esteem are investigated. Research investigating the relationship between frequent online dating usage and self-esteem is quite contradictory until now. However, most prior research found a gender difference in self-esteem levels after using dating apps frequently, thus potential differences are tested. Lastly, research investigating the relationship between mental wellbeing and frequent online dating is lacking, thus, this study focuses on possible negative consequences. Aim This study aims to analyze whether self-esteem levels, as well as mental wellbeing levels, differ between male and female online dating users. Methods Participants (n=149; 59,1% females) described the frequency of their dating app use as well as their self-esteem levels and mental wellbeing levels. Results Frequent online dating was significantly correlated with lower mental wellbeing (r=-0.189). Also, gender was significantly correlated with self-esteem levels, indicating lower levels for males (p=0.006). Moreover, the relationship between self-esteem and frequency of online dating was negative but not significantly correlated (r=-0.054). Also, gender did not act as a moderator between the frequency of online dating and self-esteem or mental wellbeing levels. Conclusion Findings suggest further research investigating factors influencing the relationship between the frequency of online dating and mental wellbeing as well as a pre and posttest to account possible negative effects on mental wellbeing to online dating usage. Keywords: online dating, self-esteem, mental wellbeing, mental health, dating apps
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/82051
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