,HRPYC81 Project 1 Assignment 4 (FINAL
RESEARCH REPORT ANSWERS) 2025 (600847)
EXPLORING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS OF ONLINE
ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: MOTIVATIONS FOR DATING APP
USE AND THE ROLE OF LONELINESS
ABSTRACT
This study explored the psychological dynamics of online
romantic relationships, focusing on the motivations for dating
app use and the role of loneliness. Drawing on the UCLA
Loneliness Scale and the Motives for Online Dating Scale, the
study investigated how loneliness predicts dating app use and
whether different motivations mediate this relationship. A
sample of 200 South African young adults (aged 18–35) was
surveyed. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that
loneliness was positively associated with using dating apps for
companionship and emotional support, but not with
motivations related to casual sexual encounters. Findings
suggest that dating apps may serve as a coping mechanism for
loneliness while also highlighting diverse motivations for
engagement. Implications for understanding digital intimacy in
South Africa are discussed.
1. INTRODUCTION
, The rapid rise of dating applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and
Hinge has reshaped how individuals initiate and maintain
romantic relationships. For young adults in particular, dating
apps provide opportunities for instant connection,
companionship, and self-expression. However, concerns persist
regarding the psychological underpinnings of their use,
particularly loneliness. This research investigates the
motivations for using dating apps and examines whether
loneliness is a significant predictor of such motivations in a
South African context.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This section reviews conceptual and empirical work on online
romantic relationships, loneliness, and dating app use.
2.2 Conceptualising Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships are close interpersonal connections that
involve emotional intimacy, attachment, and often sexual
involvement. Online platforms extend these interactions into
digital spaces.
2.3 Psychological Factors Influencing Romantic Relationships
RESEARCH REPORT ANSWERS) 2025 (600847)
EXPLORING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS OF ONLINE
ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: MOTIVATIONS FOR DATING APP
USE AND THE ROLE OF LONELINESS
ABSTRACT
This study explored the psychological dynamics of online
romantic relationships, focusing on the motivations for dating
app use and the role of loneliness. Drawing on the UCLA
Loneliness Scale and the Motives for Online Dating Scale, the
study investigated how loneliness predicts dating app use and
whether different motivations mediate this relationship. A
sample of 200 South African young adults (aged 18–35) was
surveyed. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that
loneliness was positively associated with using dating apps for
companionship and emotional support, but not with
motivations related to casual sexual encounters. Findings
suggest that dating apps may serve as a coping mechanism for
loneliness while also highlighting diverse motivations for
engagement. Implications for understanding digital intimacy in
South Africa are discussed.
1. INTRODUCTION
, The rapid rise of dating applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and
Hinge has reshaped how individuals initiate and maintain
romantic relationships. For young adults in particular, dating
apps provide opportunities for instant connection,
companionship, and self-expression. However, concerns persist
regarding the psychological underpinnings of their use,
particularly loneliness. This research investigates the
motivations for using dating apps and examines whether
loneliness is a significant predictor of such motivations in a
South African context.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This section reviews conceptual and empirical work on online
romantic relationships, loneliness, and dating app use.
2.2 Conceptualising Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships are close interpersonal connections that
involve emotional intimacy, attachment, and often sexual
involvement. Online platforms extend these interactions into
digital spaces.
2.3 Psychological Factors Influencing Romantic Relationships
