You have full access to this open access article. Despite the constant growth in the use of online dating sites and mobile dating applications, research examining potential problematic use of online dating has remained scarce. Findings suggest that personality correlates such as neuroticism, sociability, sensation-seeking, and sexual permissiveness are related to greater use of online dating services.
Sex-search and self-esteem enhancement are predictors of problematic use of online dating. Previous research coincides with online dating risks e. Observations regarding methodological weaknesses and future research implications are included. Back in , Match. In , location-based smartphone dating applications first appeared, which allowed users to access online dating anytime and anywhere, making them ubiquitous.
Regarding the ubiquity of online dating, Jung et al. Greater use of online dating may not necessarily imply the existence of problematic use. However, previous literature in the field of internet disorders has found that extended use higher frequency of use is related to higher scores on smartphone addiction Haug et al. Yet, extended use is not sufficient to describe problematic use of online dating.
Its aetiology and maintenance may be a reflection of diverse factors of different nature i. Hence, an interdisciplinary explanation i. In the scope of internet disorders, and more specifically addiction to social networking sites SNSs , previous research has reported that availability increases the number of people engaged in the activity, which can lead to excessive use Kuss and Griffiths In terms of mental health problems, previous literature has noted a positive correlation between depressive symptoms and time spent on SNSs Pantic , the use of smartphones for different purposes, including SNSs and other media services e.
Considering the similarities of SNSs and online dating sites and applications and similar findings in online dating research e. In that sense, Pantic concluded that SNS use has created changes in how individuals relate to each other in the present time making social interactions more shallow and decreasing communication with family members Pantic At the same time, online dating may potentially change the dating scene because of the growth in popularity and ubiquity of the service due to smartphone applications.
