Intentions, Results, and Disuse of Online Dating for Religious and Non-Religious Emerging Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study determines religious differences associated with emerging adults’ perceptions, intentions, and usage of online dating. Symbolic interaction theory informs how symbols associated with online dating impact perceptions, intentions, and usage among a sample of 447 emerging adults, between 18 and 30 years old. More religious individuals were found to use online dating less, have more negative perceptions, and hold more concerns about online dating, showing that religious beliefs and norms may still associate online dating as a sexual culture. The association of religiosity and resultant relationships was found to be mediated by frequency and concerns about online dating, but not perceptions. As technology continues to expand, online dating usage will likely become widespread. Implications for practitioners and future research are provided.