A qualitative investigation into the psychological impacts of using mobile dating apps and online dating sites

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of online and mobile dating within modern society, there has been little psychological research into the emotional impacts of using these sites and apps. This study seeks to close this gap by undertaking qualitative research, in the form of focus groups to determine the psychological impacts of using these sites and apps through the use of constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM). Participants (N=10) were recruited using convenience sampling and took part in a short focus group, split by gender, in addition to answering a short questionnaire. The study found that negative psychological impacts were present including; fatigue, insecurity and anxiety and feelings of judgement. The positive impacts included enjoyment of the experience and increases in confidence. The study also found some levels of indifference. Slight differences were noted between males and females throughout the study, with the most significant finding around the feeling of being judged, which was less prominent in the male sample. These findings offer an insight in to how usage of online and mobile dating apps can impact the psychology of their users.