Personality Traits Differences in Young People Opting for Online vs. Traditional Dating

Abstract

The young generation is using new digital tools in many aspects of their life, dating being no exception. Ninety participants (mean age 22.16, SD= 1.71) were tested for dating anxiety, level of extraversion, self-esteem, sensitivity to rejection and satisfaction in couple. The group that used online apps to enter a relationship were more extroverted, less anxious for dating and more satisfied in their relations than those using traditional dating. No differences were found in the self-esteem level and sensitivity to rejection. Given that sensitivity to rejection is a predictor for dating anxiety, implications for designing interventions are discussed.

Keywords

• dating apps
• self-esteem
• dating anxiety
• sensitivity to rejection