Location
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
201
Start Date
4-16-2026 9:15 AM
End Date
4-16-2026 9:30 AM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Communication Studies
Keywords
Dating apps, interpersonal communications, romance, social media, mass communication
Abstract
Over the last decade there have been considerable shifts in the dating landscape. The increased popularity of dating apps has allowed for convenience in finding a partner, expanding the potential for making a romantic connection. Although these apps offer flexibility in dating and communication, there is also a growing concern as to whether these apps are contributing to insincere romance. This study attempts to understand the perception that college students have of dating apps. Students at The University of Lynchburg - a mid-Atlantic liberal arts institution, were surveyed on their thoughts about hookup culture, instant messaging, and the ability of the apps to be used as entertainment. Analyzing the survey’s results revealed that there is little difference in the way that males and females perceive dating apps and their impacts on romance. Survey results illustrated dating app users and non-users of dating apps differ in their beliefs about their ability to connect and foster relationships through these platforms. This included a difference in whether non-users and users reported feeling guilty and/or ashamed when sharing sexually explicit content online. Non-users generally felt guilt while users reported feeling less ashamed and less guilty in sharing this kind of information. Additional research included a content analysis of dating app’s social media platforms to understand brand outreach towards audiences. In the future, further research should be conducted to help understand dating apps more accurately and inform users on how to use these apps in a safer way so that public images of romance can become more authentic and honest.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jimmy Roux
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Communications Studies
Additional Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Elizabeth Sharrett, Dr. Paul McClure
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Realities of Cyber Dating: The Impact of Dating Apps on Romantic Relationships
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
Over the last decade there have been considerable shifts in the dating landscape. The increased popularity of dating apps has allowed for convenience in finding a partner, expanding the potential for making a romantic connection. Although these apps offer flexibility in dating and communication, there is also a growing concern as to whether these apps are contributing to insincere romance. This study attempts to understand the perception that college students have of dating apps. Students at The University of Lynchburg - a mid-Atlantic liberal arts institution, were surveyed on their thoughts about hookup culture, instant messaging, and the ability of the apps to be used as entertainment. Analyzing the survey’s results revealed that there is little difference in the way that males and females perceive dating apps and their impacts on romance. Survey results illustrated dating app users and non-users of dating apps differ in their beliefs about their ability to connect and foster relationships through these platforms. This included a difference in whether non-users and users reported feeling guilty and/or ashamed when sharing sexually explicit content online. Non-users generally felt guilt while users reported feeling less ashamed and less guilty in sharing this kind of information. Additional research included a content analysis of dating app’s social media platforms to understand brand outreach towards audiences. In the future, further research should be conducted to help understand dating apps more accurately and inform users on how to use these apps in a safer way so that public images of romance can become more authentic and honest.