The Impact of COVID-19 on Dating Among College Students
Start Date
29-4-2022 2:15 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 1 - 3rd floor
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a developmental period marked by identity exploration, experimentation, career preparation, increased autonomy, and romantic relationship formation (Arnett, 2000). College can serve as a catalyst for these experiences, as it offers emerging adults opportunities to network and develop meaningful connections with others through various avenues (i.e., clubs, programs, parties, etc.). In regards to dating, many emerging adults report finding romantic partners on their college campus within the residential halls, through campus-related programs/events, and in public settings such as bars and clubs (Kuperberg & Padgett, 2015). Recent data indicates that an increasing number of emerging adults find romantic partners through dating apps; however, perceptions of dating apps vary as stigma associated with online dating persists (Schaub, 2017). Independent of the method used to find romantic partners, in-person social interaction is a critical component of dating. COVID-19, and associated public health orders, has affected in-person social interaction and individuals’ psychological well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression among college students (University of Michigan, 2020). As universities transitioned to remote learning, many college students returned home, increasing the number of long-distance relationships and their associated stressors (Merolla, 2012). As part of a larger ongoing project investigating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the college population, students’ relationship status, relationship stability, and comfort with and use of dating apps were explored. We predicted that college students in relationships would experience relationship difficulties during the pandemic. We also predicted that college students would increase their use of dating apps due to COVID-19 social distancing orders limiting access to traditional avenues of dating and increased subjective desire for support. The current sample (N = 149 of estimated 300+) was primarily White (75.2%) and female (74.5%). Overall, 37.5% (n = 56) reported being in a primary relationship at the start of the pandemic. Our predictions of relational stress were supported. Of these, 71.4 % indicated that the pandemic has posed challenges to their relationship and 26.8% reported their relationship ended. However, despite these challenges, 44.7% felt more committed and only 12.5% reported they had considered being unfaithful. Among the 93 students who were not in a relationship, dating app opinions and usage appeared moderate. Just under half (45.2%) reported increased use of dating apps; 34.4% reported turning to dating app to relieve feelings of loneliness. Most (76.4%) preferred to develop relationships in person rather than through dating apps. Overall, results suggest that dating app use has not been strongly affect by the COVID-19 pandemic and as a whole, college students are indifferent towards using dating apps as a mechanism for finding romantic relationships. Further research is necessary to determine the extent to which COVID-19 has impacted other aspects of romantic relationships (i.e., communication, relationship satisfaction, etc.).
The Impact of COVID-19 on Dating Among College Students
Alter Hall Poster Session 1 - 3rd floor
Emerging adulthood is a developmental period marked by identity exploration, experimentation, career preparation, increased autonomy, and romantic relationship formation (Arnett, 2000). College can serve as a catalyst for these experiences, as it offers emerging adults opportunities to network and develop meaningful connections with others through various avenues (i.e., clubs, programs, parties, etc.). In regards to dating, many emerging adults report finding romantic partners on their college campus within the residential halls, through campus-related programs/events, and in public settings such as bars and clubs (Kuperberg & Padgett, 2015). Recent data indicates that an increasing number of emerging adults find romantic partners through dating apps; however, perceptions of dating apps vary as stigma associated with online dating persists (Schaub, 2017). Independent of the method used to find romantic partners, in-person social interaction is a critical component of dating. COVID-19, and associated public health orders, has affected in-person social interaction and individuals’ psychological well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression among college students (University of Michigan, 2020). As universities transitioned to remote learning, many college students returned home, increasing the number of long-distance relationships and their associated stressors (Merolla, 2012). As part of a larger ongoing project investigating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the college population, students’ relationship status, relationship stability, and comfort with and use of dating apps were explored. We predicted that college students in relationships would experience relationship difficulties during the pandemic. We also predicted that college students would increase their use of dating apps due to COVID-19 social distancing orders limiting access to traditional avenues of dating and increased subjective desire for support. The current sample (N = 149 of estimated 300+) was primarily White (75.2%) and female (74.5%). Overall, 37.5% (n = 56) reported being in a primary relationship at the start of the pandemic. Our predictions of relational stress were supported. Of these, 71.4 % indicated that the pandemic has posed challenges to their relationship and 26.8% reported their relationship ended. However, despite these challenges, 44.7% felt more committed and only 12.5% reported they had considered being unfaithful. Among the 93 students who were not in a relationship, dating app opinions and usage appeared moderate. Just under half (45.2%) reported increased use of dating apps; 34.4% reported turning to dating app to relieve feelings of loneliness. Most (76.4%) preferred to develop relationships in person rather than through dating apps. Overall, results suggest that dating app use has not been strongly affect by the COVID-19 pandemic and as a whole, college students are indifferent towards using dating apps as a mechanism for finding romantic relationships. Further research is necessary to determine the extent to which COVID-19 has impacted other aspects of romantic relationships (i.e., communication, relationship satisfaction, etc.).
