Date of Award
Spring 4-3-2024
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Psychology
First Advisor
Louisa Roberts
Second Advisor
Stephanie Spars
Third Advisor
Gemma Skillman
Keywords
dating apps, online dating, tinder, swipe culture, college students, relationships, love
Subject Categories
Family, Life Course, and Society | Sociology
Abstract
As the prevalence of dating app usage continues to rise, it is imperative to explore the implications of their use, including the influence on long-term relationship formation. In this thesis, I explored whether the widespread use of dating apps amongst college students promotes long-term relationship formation. I also delved into college students’ motivations for using dating apps and whether they would want their dating app use to result in a relationship. One hundred students at the University of South Dakota were surveyed. Results indicated that 31% of respondents are current dating app users. Out of the participants who are single and current dating app users, only 39% reported to using dating apps for the purpose of forming a relationship. Meanwhile, amongst those who are currently in a relationship, most (81%) met their partner outside of a dating app either through school or work, at a bar or party, through friends, through a church event, or Snapchat. It is evident that many college students do engage in dating app use–and in some cases, they report that dating app use does result in relationship formation. However, results indicate that it is not the primary method students use when choosing to form romantic relationships.
Recommended Citation
Bodidasa, Jalani, "The Role of Dating Apps in the Formation of Long-Term Relationships in College" (2024). Honors Thesis. 317.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/317