Cyber Dating in the Age of Mobile Apps: Understanding Motives, Attitudes, and Characteristics of Users

With the advent of the Internet and social media, relationships and relationship formation have significantly changed. This is especially true in terms of finding romantic partners or “hook up” partners. The following study examined motives for using online dating websites and mobile dating applications, as well as attitudes toward those platforms, and demographic differences related to their use. A survey of college students revealed that the primary reasons for using cyber dating platforms are “Fun,” “Relationship,” and “Hook Up.” There were also differences in the attitudes of those that have experienced cyber dating platforms and those that have not. In addition, individuals with high self-esteem were less motivated to use cyber dating to hook up. Older users and women were more likely to use them for relationship reasons. Theoretical contributions of this study relate to our understanding of uses and gratifications theory and theory of reasoned action.