Tinder Tales: An Exploratory Study of Online Dating Users and Their Most Interesting Stories. Issue 9 (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fansher, Ashley K.; Eckinger, Sara
• Is Part Of: Deviant behavior. Volume 42:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1194
• Page End: 1208
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Deviant behavior -- Periodicals; 302.54205
• DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2020.1734170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9625

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study examines the differences between users and non-users of mobile-based dating applications, along with individual user experiences. To better understand the typical online dating application consumer, this research utilized quantitative analyses to compare traditional college-age users versus non-users on behavioral and attitudinal measures. Qualitative coding took place to analyze open-ended survey responses from participants regarding personal experiences. Those who use mobile-based dating applications were significantly different from non-users on all variables examined, including rates of negative drinking behaviors, drug use, sexual compulsivity, sexual deception, and negative sexual behaviors. The review of qualitative responses revealed users experiencing a wide range of negative behaviors including stalking, consensual and non-consensual explicit photo sharing, consensual and non-consensual message sharing, and deception. This article provides a framework for the identification of potential risks of using online dating applications and highlights prevention programming that will enhance the awareness of problematic online dating behaviors.