Psychological factors affecting the use of online dating apps in adults

Recently, it is known that online dating applications have become popular and increase the number of users day by day. To make sense of this new behavior pattern and the motivations of users is also at a point where its valuable today. People use these applications for purposes such as socializing, dating, meeting their sexual needs and having romantic relationships. With the Covid-19 pandemic which we are struggling with globally, the restriction of social interaction has made these applications preferable. In this study, the use of online dating applications of individuals was examined with demographic and psychological factors. In this study, besides the demographic variables of gender and sexual orientation; DASS-21 scale measuring depression, anxiety and stress levels; Difficulty in emotion regulation (DERS-16) scale, which measures clarity, goals, impulse, strategies, and non-acceptance levels; The multidimensional experiential avoidance (MEAQ-30) scale, which measures behavioral avoidance, distress aversion, procrastination, distraction/suppression, repression/denial, and distress endurance levels, was discussed as psychological factors. As a result of the research, there are significant differences between the use and purposes of online dating applications and the psychological factor levels, according to participants' gender and sexual orientation. When we consider the use of the application and the psychological factor levels, it is seen that there are significant differences between those who use the application and those who do not. These findings are remarkable in terms of seeing the effect of individuals' application usage motivations and psychological factors on this situation.