Too vulnerable to resist: Problematic use of dating apps associated with social appearance anxiety, social interaction anxiety, and rejection sensitivity

IF 9 1区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-01-13 DOI:10.1016/j.chb.2025.108566

Yi-Ting Huang , An-Di Gong

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Dating apps have become a prevalent method for young adults to build relationships. Although young adults with psychosocial vulnerabilities do benefit from dating apps, there remains the potential for problematic use. This study applied structural equation modeling to a sample of 5427 Taiwanese participants (mean age of 27.39 ± 4.51) collected using a cross-sectional online questionnaire. We found that social appearance anxiety, social interaction anxiety, and rejection sensitivity positively predicted the perceived benefits of digital communication (i.e., building interpersonal connections and control over self-presentation). Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the perceived benefits of digital communication and a preference for online social interaction via dating apps. In addition, social appearance anxiety and social interaction anxiety positively predicted rejection sensitivity; social appearance anxiety, social interaction anxiety, and rejection sensitivity were positively correlated with the problematic use of dating apps; and rejection sensitivity mediated the relationship between social appearance anxiety, social interaction anxiety, and problematic use of dating apps. Exploring the dual psychological outcomes of dating app use revealed new findings related to dating app use among young adults and offered recommendations on effectively leveraging digital communication to foster beneficial interpersonal relationships.

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来源期刊

Computers in Human Behavior Multiple-

CiteScore

19.10

自引率

4.00%

发文量

381

审稿时长

40 days

期刊介绍： Computers in Human Behavior is a scholarly journal that explores the psychological aspects of computer use. It covers original theoretical works, research reports, literature reviews, and software and book reviews. The journal examines both the use of computers in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields, and the psychological impact of computer use on individuals, groups, and society. Articles discuss topics such as professional practice, training, research, human development, learning, cognition, personality, and social interactions. It focuses on human interactions with computers, considering the computer as a medium through which human behaviors are shaped and expressed. Professionals interested in the psychological aspects of computer use will find this journal valuable, even with limited knowledge of computers.