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The Dark Side of Tinder: The Dark Triad of Personality as Correlates of Tinder Use
Abstract
Tinder is the leading online dating application. This study (N = 271) explored the Dark Triad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and sociosexuality as correlates of Tinder use. The results revealed that Tinder users had higher scores on the Dark Triad traits and sociosexuality, compared to non-users. Also, Tinder users with higher scores on the Dark Triad traits and sociosexuality significantly showed greater motivation to use Tinder for short-term mating; however, there was no significant relation with Tinder use and motivation for long-term mating. This finding supports the idea that Tinder can be a new venue for people high on the Dark Triad to pursue their short-term mating strategies.
... In species that reproduce sexually, such as Homo sapiens, the motivation to mate is critical for reproductive success (Buss, 2008;Burtăverde et al., 2021). In phylogenetic terms, sexual behavior is understood as a mechanism for the reproduction of species, with the adaptive function of producing offspring (Buss & Schmitt, 1993, 2019. However, mating has asymmetries, which Darwin (1871) already recognized when he identified that females are more selective than males. ...
... Short-term sexual strategies are characterized by a low commitment to a partner and a tendency toward casual sex (Buss & Schmitt, 1993), while long-term strategies are characterized by greater relationship investment, sexual exclusivity, and stronger emotional bonds (Buss, 2006). Although the sexes differ in average terms in the use of each strategy, it is recognized that women and men use both strategies (Buss & Schmitt, 1993, 2019. ...
... One study showed that Tinder users scored higher on DT traits, as well as on sociosexuality, compared to nonusers of the app. Furthermore, Tinder users with higher scores on DT traits and sociosexuality showed more motivation to use the app for short-term relationships (Sevi, 2019). ...
... Most studies have focused on the antecedents and consequences of online dating via applications such as Tinder (e.g., Gatter & Hodkinson, 2016;Sevi, 2019aSevi, , 2019b. ...
... Consequently, it is expected that narcissists would be more enthusiastic about initiating relationships through online social networks (Buffardi & Campbell, 2008 Compared to other personality traits, the DT traits were better predictors of using online applications for dating and risky behaviors (Freyth & Batinic, 2021). The DT personality trait levels for Tinder users were found to be significantly higher than non-users (Sevi, 2019b). Jonason and Bulyk (2019) also found that among men, the psychopathy and narcissism levels of Tinder users were significantly higher than non-users. ...
... Although it was found that Tinder users' psychopathy levels were significantly higher than non-users (Freyth & Batinic, 2021;Sevi, 2019b), rather than focusing on the direct associations of psychopathy to SNS usage to find partners and date someone they met via SNS, the present study aimed to contribute to the literature by identifying the underlying psychological mechanism between psychopathy and SNS usage to find partners. Therefore, the direct relationship between psychopathy and SNS usage to find partners and date someone who was met via SNS was not hypothesized in the present study. ...
With the acceleration of communication and access to information, individuals have begun to date via social networking sites. Although online dating has spread among university students recently, studies on this topic are very limited. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Dark Triad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) on using Social Networking Sites (SNS) to find partners and face-to-face meeting/dating after flirting via the internet (i.e., face-to-face dating with a partner met via SNS). Furthermore, it was also aimed to identify the mediating roles of risk-taking and impulsivity in the relationships mentioned above. Data were collected from 358 University students (223 females and 135 males) who volunteered to complete the survey packages. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 49 (M = 22.67, SD = 2.83). The results revealed that narcissism was linked to using SNS to find partners, and impulsivity fully mediated the relationships of Machiavellianism with using SNS to find partners. In addition, the links of psychopathy with using SNS to find partners were partially mediated by impulsivity, with risk-taking fully mediating the effects of psychopathy and narcissism on face-to-face dating with a partner met via SNS. The present research revealed that impulsivity and risk-taking were the common attitudes underlying the links of psychopathy and narcissism with dating someone met via SNS. For individuals who score high on Machiavellianism, a low level of impulsivity is a protective factor; whereas a high level of impulsivity is a triggering factor that leads those with high psychopathy scores to search for partners via SNS. Contrary to expectations, narcissism was not directly associated with face-to-face dating a partner who was met via SNS. This finding may be related to the unidimensional measurement of narcissism, since grandiose narcissism is more likely to be positively associated with this risky and confident behavior, whereas vulnerable narcissism is less likely to have such an association.
... Mating strategies are context-dependent (Buss & Schmitt, 2016;Sevi, 2019). Online dating websites, applications, as well as social media provide a new mating context, which is important to examine (Buss & Schmitt, 2016;Sevi, 2019). ...
... Mating strategies are context-dependent (Buss & Schmitt, 2016;Sevi, 2019). Online dating websites, applications, as well as social media provide a new mating context, which is important to examine (Buss & Schmitt, 2016;Sevi, 2019). The effect of individual differences in personality on pursued mating strategies has been recognized, especially in the domain of dark personality traits (Buss & Schmitt, 2016;Jonason, Li, Webster, & Schmitt, 2009). ...
... Machiavellianism is characterized by superficial charm, cynicism, coldness, manipula tiveness, opportunism, and a pragmatic morality, where ends justify the means (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). Machiavellianism was shown in previous research to be positively related to pursuing short-term mating strategies in Tinder users and sociosexuality (Blötner, Ziegler, Wehner, Back, & Grosz, 2022;Sevi, 2019). Dating app users with higher levels of Machiavellianism also reported higher motivation to use Tinder and other dating apps for sex, and other utilitarian reasons such as peer pressure, acquiring social or flirting skills, social approval, and to pass the time (Freyth & Batinic, 2021;Lyons et al., 2022;Sevi, 2019;Timmermans, De Caluwé, & Alexopoulos, 2018). ...
In recent years, online dating websites, applications, and social media have become increasingly popular tools for finding romantic and/or sexual partners. Individual differences in personality traits predict the use of online dating websites and applications and also influence the motives for their use. Previous work regarding mating strategies in the context of online dating has focused on the Dark Tetrad concept of malevolent personality while ignoring the Light Triad concept of beneficent personality. Light and dark personality traits are not seen as polar opposites as they supplement each other. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the utility of both light (i.e., Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism) and dark (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism) personality traits in predicting mating strategies in the online context. A total of 216 participants, ages 20 to 56, which used online dating sites, apps, and social media for finding partners in the past year, completed an online questionnaire assessing Dark Tetrad traits, Light Triad traits, and mating orientations. Narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism positively correlated, while Faith in Humanity and Kantianism negatively correlated with short-term mating. However, only Faith in Humanity was a significant predictor of short-term mating. As for long-term mating, the results have shown that it is negatively related to psychopathy and sadism, while it is positively related to all Light Triad traits. Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism were significant predictors of long-term mating. These findings highlight the utility of the Dark Tetrad and Light Triad traits in mating orientation research.
... A few studies have focused on the impact of personality on dating app usage, particularly evaluating individuals with dark personality traits such as Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Lyons et al., 2020;Sevi, 2019). In a study of Tinder © users compared to nonusers, Sevi (2019) found that Tinder © users scored higher in Dark Triad traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy than non-dating app users. ...
... A few studies have focused on the impact of personality on dating app usage, particularly evaluating individuals with dark personality traits such as Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Lyons et al., 2020;Sevi, 2019). In a study of Tinder © users compared to nonusers, Sevi (2019) found that Tinder © users scored higher in Dark Triad traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy than non-dating app users. Lyons et al. (2020) also reported that individuals using Tinder © scored higher in Dark Triad traits including sadism with male users having higher Dark Triad scores. ...
... Lyons et al. (2020) also reported that individuals using Tinder © scored higher in Dark Triad traits including sadism with male users having higher Dark Triad scores. For individuals who scored higher in the Dark Triad traits, they reported their primary motivation for dating app use was for casual sex or short-term mating (Lyons et al., 2020: Sevi, 2019. ...
Dating app facilitated sexual assault (DAppSA) is a concerning phenomenon with minimal published research. This retrospective study explored if DAppSAs were different than other sexual assaults (SAs) committed by acquaintances through a review of 3,413 sexual assault medical forensic examination (SAMFE) charts from 2017 to 2020 in a Mountain West state in the United States. Routine Activities Theory and Confluence Model of sexual aggression provided the theoretical framework for the study. Inclusion criteria for DAppSA cases included (1) victim was 14 years of age or older; (2) victim indicated meeting the perpetrator on a dating app; (3) SA occurred at initial in-person meeting; and (4) victim had a SAMFE with SA kit evidence collection. DAppSAs ( n = 274) represented 8.02% of overall cases and 13.92% of acquaintance SAs ( n = 1,968). DAppSA victims had unique characteristics including a higher percentage of male victims (7.5%), college students (22.2%), and victims with self-reported mental illness (MI) (59.6%). Victims were less likely to fight back during the assault with lower percentages of kicking (5.8%) and hitting (9%). DAppSA victims and perpetrators were less likely to use drugs or alcohol before or during the assault. DAppSAs were found to be more violent SAs with increased strangulation (32.4%); assaultive/penetrative acts; and victim injuries, especially anogenital and breast injuries. Unique and troubling differences were found in DAppSA cases than other SAs committed by acquaintances. Due to the increased violent nature of DAppSAs, the researchers propose that sexual predators use dating apps as hunting grounds for vulnerable victims. Recommendations to address dating app safety concerns, influence dating app usage policies, and improve care to survivors are discussed through systems-based and trauma-informed approaches.
... Additionally, non-single Tinder users with higher levels of Machiavellianism and psychopathy also reported higher levels of motivation to use Tinder for the sex (Timmermans et al., 2018). The other study showed that Tinder users had higher levels of the Dark Triad compared to non-users, and users with darker personalities had a higher motivation to use Tinder for short-term mating (Sevi, 2019). It remains unknown how the lighter side of personality is associated with dating application usage and motives. ...
... We do not have specific hypotheses for the three light personality types. However, based on the findings of Tinder use and the Dark Triad (Sevi, 2019), we expect nonusers to show higher levels of the Light Triad compared to Tinder users. Further, we expect to see an association between the Light Triad and the motivations to use Tinder for mating, such that higher levels of the Light Triad predict the motivation to use Tinder for long-term mating. ...
... Current users, past users, and people who have never used Tinder, respectively, showed a decrease in sociosexuality and increase in age. Prior work has shown that Tinder users have higher levels of sociosexuality compared to nonusers (Sevi, 2019). These findings on sociosexuality provide more evidence for this relation. ...
The Dark Triad of personality has gained much attention in the literature, while the lighter side of personality has not received comparable attention. This study aimed to examine how the Light Triad of personality traits (Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism) differs between Tinder users, and how these personality traits are related to motivations to use Tinder for short-and long-term mating. Cross-sectional data from current Tinder users (n ¼ 130), past Tinder users (n ¼ 56), and people who have never used Tinder (n ¼ 121) were examined. The results revealed that compared to Tinder users, nonusers have higher scores on Kantianism, which might be related to Kantians not emphasizing attractiveness, a factor that has a role in online dating success. Further, Tinder users with higher total scores on the Light Triad were found to show higher motivation to use Tinder for long-term mating, whereas a significant relation was not found motivation to use Tinder for short-term mating. Long-term mating requires establishing a cooperative relationship with someone, and the motivation to use Tinder to find long-term mates may be due to the cooperation-promoting nature of the Light Triad.
... Moreover, individuals with a dark personality tend to have more sexual fantasies and more sexual partners. 35 Dark Triad is conventionally associated with short-term relationships and was more frequently found among users of Tinder than among nonusers. 35 A similar study, instead, investigated the Dark Tetrad, that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism, that was highlighted in male Tinder users mostly in association with antisocial behaviors related to sexuality, while in women, antisocial traits together with Machiavellianism are associated with esteem purposes and hypothetically enhance self-esteem. ...
... 35 Dark Triad is conventionally associated with short-term relationships and was more frequently found among users of Tinder than among nonusers. 35 A similar study, instead, investigated the Dark Tetrad, that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism, that was highlighted in male Tinder users mostly in association with antisocial behaviors related to sexuality, while in women, antisocial traits together with Machiavellianism are associated with esteem purposes and hypothetically enhance self-esteem. 36 These dysfunctional aspects of personality are also involved in the contemporary and diffuse phenomenon of trolling (quarreling or upsetting people to distract and sow discord by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages) in both the genders, in terms of antisocial-general, particularly. ...
... In any case, it is unknown whether the possible negative aspects related to Tinder use are intrinsically due to this particular technology or peculiar, individual intrapsychic and/or relational characteristics of the MA user. Case-control and experimental studies do not solve this controversial aspect, 12,21,24,35 although primary psychological issues seem to predict the dysfunctional use of Tinder. In this regard, dark personality could be considered a problematic predictor in some Tinder users, as literature has demonstrated. ...
Introduction:
Tinder is the most popular and used meeting application for dating. However, its impact on sexual behavior and sexual health has not yet been thoroughly investigated.
Objectives:
To review the current empirical knowledge on the sexual health and sexual behavior effects related to Tinder use.
Methods:
A literature review was conducted based on empirical studies published in the last 5 years. A computerized search was performed to identify all relevant studies in PubMed and Google Scholar. The following search terms were used: "Tinder" AND "Sexuality" OR "Tinder" AND "Sexual Behavior" OR "Tinder" AND "Sexual Dysfunctions" OR "Tinder" AND "Sexual Health." 34 articles fully satisfied the established criteria.
Results:
We found sociosexuality, that is, sexual activities outside a committed relationship, to be the main predictor for casual sex in the Tinder users. The sexual aims appeared gender-influenced: men used Tinder mostly for casual sex compared with women. With respect to other dating apps, it has been also found that the Tinder use is less related to the risk of sexually transmitted infections. However, specific personality traits related to dark personality (ie, the association of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) were more frequently reported among male Tinder users.
Conclusion:
Existing literature concerning Tinder use shows the advantages and disadvantages of this dating technology. Casual sex might be a risk for sexual health, but Tinder users have also been committed to romantic relationships. Moreover, some pathological aspects of personality characterize some Tinder users. From an evolutionary perspective, sociosexuality partially explains the reasons of the Tinder user's interest for casual sex. Finally, this review highlights the need of further studies on Tinder as a new, pivotal virtual place to promote sex education and sexual health. Ciocca G, Robilotta A, Fontanesi L, et al. Sexological Aspects Related to Tinder Use: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Sex Med Rev 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.
... A few studies have focused on the impact of personality on dating app usage, particularly evaluating individuals with dark personality traits such as Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Lyons et al., 2020;Sevi, 2019). In a study of Tinder © users compared to nonusers, Sevi (2019) found that Tinder © users scored higher in Dark Triad traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy than non-dating app users. ...
... A few studies have focused on the impact of personality on dating app usage, particularly evaluating individuals with dark personality traits such as Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Lyons et al., 2020;Sevi, 2019). In a study of Tinder © users compared to nonusers, Sevi (2019) found that Tinder © users scored higher in Dark Triad traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy than non-dating app users. Lyons et al. (2020) also reported that individuals using Tinder © scored higher in Dark Triad traits including sadism with male users having higher Dark Triad scores. ...
... Lyons et al. (2020) also reported that individuals using Tinder © scored higher in Dark Triad traits including sadism with male users having higher Dark Triad scores. For individuals who scored higher in the Dark Triad traits, they reported their primary motivation for dating app use was for casual sex or short-term mating (Lyons et al., 2020: Sevi, 2019. ...
The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students’ perceptions of global health experiences from an international partnership. Nursing organizations have identified global health care as core knowledge. To address global health care competencies and culture awareness, activities were designed by nursing faculty in Finland and the United States. A mixed-method questionnaire was given to 111 students. Data suggest contact with international nursing peers and learning activities increased understanding of health issues in another culture and increased student self-confidence and communication. Developing a partnership between nursing schools can result in positive global health learning experiences for students.
... However, associations with the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) draw a clearer picture. Higher levels of narcissism (i.e., grandiosity, entitlement, and rivalry), Machiavellianism (i.e., agentic goalsetting, and strategic manipulation), and psychopathy (i.e., meanness, callousness, boldness, and impulsivity) are consistently found and replicated among users compared to nonusers (Castro et al., 2020;Freyth & Batinic, 2021;Sevi, 2019). The Dark Triad traits share are subclinical traits and characterized by an antisocial core and a preference for short-term mating (Furnham et al., 2013). ...
... The Dark Triad traits share are subclinical traits and characterized by an antisocial core and a preference for short-term mating (Furnham et al., 2013). Further, users of dating apps showed higher levels of sociosexuality (i.e., tendency for casual sex and uncommitted sexual relationships) compared to nonusers (Castro et al., 2020;Sevi, 2019). So, the characterization of dating app users as shortterm mating oriented might be an indicator for calling Tinder & Co hookup apps. ...
Dating applications (henceforth apps) are smartphone tools to find potential mates based on their profile pictures and proximity, and are frequently described as short-term mating environments. The Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) are opportunistic personality characteristics associated with short-term mating tendencies and tactics, which have shown to be suitable in describing individual differences and behaviors among dating app users.
... (Duncan & March, 2019;Lyons et al., 2022;Mayshak et al., 2020) • But… does this depend on their sociosexual orientation (orientation towards unrestricted sexuality), will the motives of use change attending to the combination of these variables? (Lyons et al., 2022;Sevi, 2019) To answer this question, we opted for a person-centred approach. ...
... But in ours, narcissism appears as more "prevalent" in those people with higher sociosexuality. (Sevi, 2019) o The group with the lower scores in all the variables (the red one) was the least motivated to use Tinder for sexual purposes, social approval and entertainment purposes. ...
Dating apps, such as Tinder, have become a prevalent method for finding romantic partners and socializing with new people, particularly among young adults. Given its relationship with risky sexual behaviours and malevolent personality, the aim of this study was to identify profiles based on Dark Tetrad traits and risky sexual behaviours, and to analyse their differences according to the different motives for using Tinder. The Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory and the Tinder Motives Scale were administered to a sample of 200 Spaniards (Mage = 30.78; SD = 7.99; women = 67.50%). Latent Profile Analysis suggested a three-profile model: 1-Profile with low scores on dark traits and sexual risk behaviours; 2-Profile with medium scores on traits and high scores on sexual behaviours; 3-Profile with high scores on traits and medium scores on sexual behaviours. Differences were also found between the three profiles in terms of the different motives for using Tinder. Knowing how these traits interact with sexual risk behavior and motives for Tinder use can provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie risky sexual behavior on Tinder.
... For example, many users report using Tinder for entertainment (Ward, 2017) and to widen the scope for dating partners (Hobbs et al., 2017). Researchers in social science have also explored Tinder use in relation to psychosocial factors including: health related behaviors, risky sexual behavior, and sexual attitude (Sawyer et al., 2018;Shapiro et al., 2017); sexual disgust and sociosexuality (Sevi et al., 2018); dark personality factors (Sevi, 2019a(Sevi, , 2019b; and, the big five personality factors (Timmermans & De Caluw e, 2017b). In addition, some researchers have begun to explore specific behaviors on Tinder use such as infidelity (Timmermans, De Caluw e, & Alexopoulos, 2018), (Weiser et al., 2018), trolling (March et al., 2017), and problematic Tinder use (Orosz et al., 2018). ...
... Taken together, these studies suggest that further examination of health and safety risks is warranted. Sevi (2019aSevi ( , 2019b) explored the differences between Tinder users and non-users on sexual disgust sensitivity and risk-taking, and sought to determine if these differences varied by gender. He found that Tinder users overall reported significantly lower disgust sensitivity and significantly higher likelihood of taking health and safety risks; however, when gender differences were analyzed, these results were only present among participants who were women. ...
Tinder is a commonly used mobile dating application. Its widespread use and reputation have led many researchers to investigate individual differences and motivations for using the app. In the present study, we investigated personality, risk-taking, and loneliness in relation to Tinder use. A total of 267 individuals participated in this survey study. Questionnaires that assessed demographics, personality, loneliness, risk-taking and Tinder use were administered either online or in paper form. The results indicated that the most common reasons for using Tinder included entertainment and to begin a relationship. As well, many participants reported taking safety precautions before meeting someone in person that they had met on Tinder. The results of a sequential logistic regression revealed that Tinder use was predicted by relationship status (i.e., not in a relationship), personality traits (higher extraversion and lower conscientiousness scores) and risk-taking. Specifically, people who use Tinder are more likely to be single, outgoing, spontaneous, fun-loving risk-takers. However, these variables only explained approximately a quarter of the variance in Tinder use. Thus, more research is needed to understand Tinder use from a psychological perspective.
... The DTP framework was first given by Paulhus and Williams (2002). The DTP framework has been investigated in diverse settings, including but not limited to luxury consumption (Guido et al., 2020), conspicuous consumption , dating site usage (Sevi, 2019), health behaviours (Dębska et al., 2021) and knowledge hiding (Soral et al., 2022), to name a few. Nevertheless, the existing literature has made limited attempts to delve into an exploration of the DTP traits in the context of new technology adoption. ...
This research investigates how various personality traits influence individuals' inclination to engage with the metaverse. The study gathered 332 responses to assess the hypotheses derived from both the Big Five personality traits and the Dark Triad personality framework. The study also investigates the mediating effect of attitude towards the metaverse and the moderating role of fear of missing out (FOMO). The findings suggest that ex-traversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, narcissism, machiavellianism and psychopathy have a significant impact on the intention to use metaverse. Further, attitudes towards the metaverse and FOMO are found be to significant mediator and moderator, respectively. Finally, artificial neural network (ANN) results reveal narcissism to be the most important predictor of intention to use metaverse. This research makes a valuable contribution to the field of personality traits and offers insights to marketers regarding the personality traits that are more inclined to embrace the metaverse.
... The latter orientation is characterized by the need to have more time, stronger attachment, commitment, and closeness with romantic partners before willing to engage in sexual intercourse with them. Sevi (2019b) found that Tinder use for short-term mating, but not for long-term mating, was correlated to sociosexuality. In addition, Tinder users with higher scores on sociosexuality significantly showed greater motivation to use Tinder for short-term mating. ...
Sociosexuality, conceptualized as individual differences in attitudes, behaviors, and desires for casual sex, is reflected in “hookup culture” where risky sexual behaviors should not be overlooked. The main objectives of this study were (a) to provide a first French adaptation of the SOI-R and to evaluate its psychometric properties, and (b) to examine the relationship between sociosexuality and condom use among young college students (N = 1037, mean age = 18.7 years, SD = 1 year). A path model hypothesizing links between dispositional optimism, boredom proneness, sexual orientation, age, gender (as correlated exogenous/independent variables), sociosexuality (as mediation variable), and condom use (as output variable), was specified and tested. Findings showed gender and sexual orientation differences in sociosexuality. As expected, males as well as non-heterosexual individuals endorsed more sociosexuality than the others. Optimism, but not boredom, predicted a higher level of sociosexuality. Sociosexuality positively predicted safer sex. Sociosexual orientation was not associated with condomless sex. It would seem that sexual freedom does not necessarily mean irresponsible sexual adventures for the young college students in our study.
... Literature also consistently demonstrates that romantic relationships with individuals exhibiting elevated D4 traits may be challenging and even abusive (Jones & Olderbak, 2014;Monteiro et al., 2017;Sevi, 2019). However, what is yet unknown is whether seeking potential partners in the online environment, compared to face-to-face, is more attractive to individuals with elevated D4 traits. ...
Dark Tetrad (D4) traits have been shown to influence both perpetration and victimisation of dating related anti-social behaviours. To inform prevention and intervention measures against these behaviours, it is important to understand how persons with elevated D4 traits search for partners and what aspects of dating they appraise as positive versus negative. This study aims to qualitatively explore the role of personality in dating experiences;
specifically, preference for dating platform and perceived dating outcomes in those with elevated D4 traits. In total, 480 adults from Australia, (288 women, 186 men, and 6 non-binary) aged 18– 70 years (M = 29.51, SD = 12.82), took part in an online qualitative and quantitative survey. Participants with elevated traits of psychopathy, narcissism and sadism showed a greater preference for meeting people offline. Applying template analysis, we generated three themes for positive experiences: finding a new partner, connecting with others, and material and personal benefits. For negative experiences, we identified four themes: not being able to find a partner, misrepresentation, online and in-person victimisation, and difficulties with navigating close relationships. Whilst persons with elevated D4 traits value connecting with others, they dislike deceptive dating practices and often perceive themselves to be victimised in online and offline settings. Future studies should investigate whether dating experiences differ across individuals who score within elevated versus lower range on D4 traits
... Thus, we include reports of the number of sex partners via dating application, the number of oral sex partners, experience with prostitution, and the number of unprotected sex partners (Flesia et al., 2021) as newer manifestations along with more traditional measures of the numbers of lifetime sex partners and onenight stands. Tinder users-men in particular-score higher in sociosexuality and the Dark Triad traits (Sevi, 2019). Among women, shortterm mating and psychopathy are associated, which may be a manifestation of secondary (i.e., emotional dysregulation, irresponsibility) more than primary (i.e., shallow affect, callousness) psychopathy (Blanchard et al., 2021). ...
We replicated and extended (N = 495) what is known about the relationships between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) and a wider range (than previously reported) of sociosexuality including risky sexual behaviors (e.g., lack of condom use) and sexuality in relation to dating applications like Tinder, in general, in men and women, and above agreeableness. Machiavellianism and psychopathy were linked to most sociosexual behaviors and attitudes. In men, Machiavellianism was linked to various sociosexual outcomes, in women those outcomes were associated with psychopathy instead. Agreeableness was hardly correlated with sociosexual outcomes. The Dark Triad traits were more strongly correlated with the studied outcomes even after controlling for agreeableness or for the dark core. Unexpectedly, men who were Machiavellian and agreeable reported the most sex partners in different contexts, but not psychopaths. In contrast, women who were psychopathic not only had more sex partners in general, but they also engaged in more unprotected sex, and one-night stands than men did. These findings build on prior research on the Dark Triad traits and their associations with sociosexuality and help to draw a more nuanced and modern picture of those relationships.
... For instance, individuals high in Machiavellianism more often manifest immoral behaviours (Street & Street, 2006), as do those higher in psychopathy (Ritchie & Forth, 2016). Subsequently, individuals high in DT traits show preferences for promiscuity and short-term mating (Burtȃverde et al., 2021;Sevi, 2019b)-with this relationship not always being present in Machiavellians (Jones & de Roos, 2017). All the activities mentioned above are transgressive in relation to morality-and sex-related disgust norms. ...
Disgust is an avoidant emotion which repulses from potentially dangerous stimuli and situations. Operating in a social context, disgust may prevent from engaging in an unrestricted sociosexuality and from violating moral norms. Meanwhile, people high in dark personality traits prefer short-term mating strategy and exhibit a tendency to transgress moral standards. Thus, it might be assumed that they should have decreased both moral and sexual disgust. In a preregistered study (N = 450; 52 % female) we tested our assumptions by examining the relationships between Dark Triad, vulnerable narcissism, and disgust sensitivity in moral and sexual domains. We also asked whether higher psychopathy and Machiavellianism in men would explain sex discrepancy in sexual disgust sensitivity. The results confirmed most of our hypotheses and showed that a) sexual and moral disgust are consistently, negatively correlated with all Dark Triad traits; b) there are considerable sex differences in sexual disgust and psychopathy; and c) increased psychopathy in men partially explains their lower sexual disgust sensitivity comparing to women. This study has taken a novel perspective in this research area, and may indicate the role of decreased disgust sensitivity in transgressing social norms by individuals high in dark personality traits.
... On the other hand, online dating phenomenon has led to the increase in sociosexuality, sexual activities outside a committed relationship (Ciocca et al., 2020, Nakamine, 2017. Tinder uses are often associated with a short-term relationship (Sevi, 2019) which is motivated by just sexual pleasure (e.g. Timmermans & Courtois, 2018). ...
Using the Theory of Social Representation (TSR) as the foundation, this research explored the social representation of long (LTR) and short (STR) term romantic relationships and its differences. A total of 61 Japanese adults aged between 19 and 42 years old (M=25.84, SD=6.41) responded to a structured questionnaire that prompts for the representation of LTR and STR in English using free association techniques. The representations were interpreted using the structural approach of the theory of social representation. The result showed that representations of LTR include love, trust, marriage, understanding, family & stable while representations of STR consisted of fun, sex, love & casual. Comparing both types of romantic relationship, love is included in both concepts while sex is only represented in STR. These findings could be used as the basis to explore more issues related to romantic relationships in Japan.
... On the other hand, online dating phenomenon has led to the increase in sociosexuality, sexual activities outside a committed relationship (Ciocca et al., 2020, Nakamine, 2017. Tinder uses are often associated with a short-term relationship (Sevi, 2019) which is motivated by just sexual pleasure (e.g. Timmermans & Courtois, 2018). ...
Using the Theory of Social Representation (TSR) as the foundation, this research explored the social representation of long (LTR) and short (STR) term romantic relationships and its differences. A total of 61 Japanese adults aged between 19 and 42 years old (M=25.84, SD=6.41) responded to a structured questionnaire that prompts for the representation of LTR and STR in English using free association techniques. The representations were interpreted using the structural approach of the theory of social representation. The result showed that representations of LTR include love, trust, marriage, understanding, family & stable while representations of STR consisted of fun, sex, love & casual. Comparing both types of romantic relationship, love is included in both concepts while sex is only represented in STR. These findings could be used as the basis to explore more issues related to romantic relationships in Japan.
... The wide diffusion of DAs recently called many researchers to investigate this phenomenon from a psychosexological point of view [2,3]. For instance, some evidence was found about the psychosexological profile of DA users, mainly characterized by the so-called dark personality traits, i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy [4,5]. However, some studies also identified positive aspects of DA users; for example, a recent study interestingly showed the positive and healthy aspects of the use of Tinder, investigating the Light Sexes 2022, 3 299 Triad of personality, i.e., faith in humanity, humanism, and Kantianism [6]. ...
The use of Dating Applications (DAs) is widespread, and in some cases could be associated with psychosexological issues. Hence, we decided to investigate hypersexual behavior and depression symptoms among DA users and non-users. We recruited a snowball convenience sample of 1000 subjects through an online platform in 2020 for a cross-sectional study. One hundred and nineteen (11.9%) were classified as DA users and 881 as non-users. All subjects completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI), to assess hypersexuality, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate depression symptoms. We primarily found higher levels of hypersexual behavior and depression symptoms in DA users compared to non-users. In particular, HBI Total (users = 42.27 ± 16.37 vs. non-users = 31.85 ± 12.06; p < 0.0001), HBI Coping (users = 17.92 ± 8.01 vs. non-users = 13.52 ± 6.03; p < 0.0001), HBI Control (users = 14.73 ± 6.68 vs. non-users = 10.71 ± 4.95; p < 0.0001), HBI Consequences (users = 9.62 ± 4.33 vs. non-users = 7.60 ± 3.37; p < 0.0001), PHQ-9 Depression (users = 12.82 ± 6.64 vs. nonusers = 10.05 ± 5.84; p < 0.0001). On the whole, we found that hypersexual behavior and depression symptoms strongly characterize DAs users; this evidence could represent an important associated factor in DA use for sexual purposes.
... This suggests a distinction between using Tinder for immediate romantic pursuits, and prominent uses and motives that are framed more in terms of hypothetical or potential romance. Other survey data present dark triad personality traits as related to short-term mating motivations (Sevi, 2019), while light triad traits (Faith in Humanity, Humanism and Kantianism) are associated with higher motivation towards long-term mating (Sevi & Doğruyol, 2020). ...
Dating apps have become one of the most prominent and contentious topics in the realm of intimacy among the wider public and academia. Media and communication researchers have examined their uptake across cultural contexts, seeking to address the dynamics between dating apps and social processes. With the knowledge accumulated in this research field, we assemble a comprehensive account of interactions through dating apps. We categorize existing findings about dating apps into three sections: dating apps and their reconfiguration, dating practices and their remediation, and lastly social arrangements and their reformation. These sections together present dating apps as a technological consequence of various social forces that mediate users’ daily practices and social relationships.
... For example, studies investigating the reasons for which people use Tinder have found general themes referring to relational goals, like love interest or sex, intrapersonal goals, like self-enhancement and communication disinhibition, or entertainment purposes, like curiosity, thrill or trendiness [12,13]. Recently, there has been interest in the associations between dating app motives and personalitybased features, such as attachment style, self-esteem or sexual desire [14], sensation seeking and sexual permissiveness [12] or dark traits [15,16]. In line with this research, this study aims to both replicate and expand previous results by taking into consideration attachment orientations and sexuality factors, such as sexual satisfaction and online sexual activities, in investigating app use within specific sexual self-configuration frameworks. ...
The online environment has had a profound sociocultural impact, and its implications pose new challenges to modern-day societies. The digital sexual and dating domains have dramatically affected sexual and romantic behavior and norms, and yet, no empirical studies have addressed the role of the sexual self-concept in driving sexual and romantic online behavior. The aim of this study is to identify reliable sexual self-configurations through a cluster analysis approach and determine whether these profiles are informative in relation to app use motives and sexual outcomes. For this purpose, a total of 244 subjects were recruited. Survey questions measured a set of demographic parameters, motives for app use, online sexual activities, attachment orientations, the sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction. Five clusters were identified, including two with high levels of sexual drive (“Driven” and “Adventurous”), two with low levels of sexual drive (“Unassured” and “Naïve”) and one with an intermediate level of sexual drive (“Competent”). The clusters differed on gender, attachment styles, app use patterns and sexual characteristics. These findings provide insight into how the sexual self-concept relates to the interaction between individuals and the online sexual and dating scenes.
... The geo-locator function and the requirement that the app be linked to an active Facebook page could favour malicious users who place others' safety at risk. Sevi (2019) noted that Tinder users have higher levels of psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism. Tinder users are more likely to deceive, manipulate and exploit people to achieve their goals (SEVI, 2019). ...
The purpose of this paper is to analyse value cocreation of exchanges on the Tinder app. Netnography was conducted, including participant observation and 13 in-depth interviews. The results were analysed using Bardin's content analysis. The exchanges exaggerate the value proposition of the service, and the online environment makes coordination difficult. Value cocreation more closely resembles the creation of value by the user rather than by the app, considering the fragility of the institutional aspects. Tinder allows relationships between consumers that are similar to marketing relationships, with opportunities for choice, accumulation, exchange, and disposal that constitute objectification.Keywords: Value cocreation. Tinder. Netnography.
... The explanations as to why agreeable students were more likely to use Tinder are not apparent. The positive association between agreeableness and Tinder use is also somewhat at odds with the results of a recent study that found Tinder users to have higher scores on the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, which are all inversely associated with agreeableness) (Jakobwitz and Egan, 2006;Sevi, 2019). The differences between the findings of the current study and those of Sevi (2019) may be explained by differences in the samples. ...
The current paper aims to investigate if Tinder use predicts romantic relationship formation 1 year later and to identify demographic, personality, mental health, and substance use covariates in the relationship between Tinder use and romantic relationship formation. Data were collected by online surveys (two waves) among students in Bergen, Norway. The first survey was administered during fall 2015 (T1). The follow-up took place 1 year later (fall 2016, T2). The sample consisted of the 5253 participants who reported to be single at T1. The surveys included questions about Tinder use, demographics, personality (the Five-Factor Model’s personality traits), mental health (i.e., symptoms of depression and anxiety), alcohol use, and use of illegal substances. Bivariate comparisons were conducted to assess differences in demographics, personality traits, mental health, and substance use between Tinder users and non-Tinder users. Further, crude and adjusted binary logistic regressions were employed to investigate if Tinder use at T1 predicted romantic relationship formation at T2, when controlling for relevant covariates. Tinder users differed from non-users on almost all included variables. Compared to non-users, Tinder users were younger and more likely to be men, born in Norway, childless, and non-religious. Tinder users had higher scores on extroversion and agreeableness and lower scores on openness compared to non-users. Further, compared to non-users, Tinder users reported more symptoms of anxiety and were more likely to have hazardous, harmful, or dependent alcohol use and to report use of illegal substances. Compared to non-users, Tinder users had a higher likelihood of having formed a romantic relationship at T2 in the crude model (p < 0.05) and when controlling for demographic (p < 0.05) and mental health (p < 0.05) covariates. However, when controlling for personality, substance use, and all included covariates, the difference in likelihood of romantic relationship formation was no longer significant. In conclusion, the current results suggest that Tinder users have a higher likelihood of forming romantic relationship longitudinally, but that this increased likelihood can be explained by Tinder users’ personality and substance use characteristics.
... The current study took a novel approach in exploring narcissism as a predictor of antisocial behaviour, drawing on recent research trends exploring narcissism and Tinder behaviour (e.g., Duncan & March, 2019;Jonason & Bulyk, 2019;Sevi, 2019) and theory of threatened egotism and aggression (Baumeister, Smart, & Boden, 1996), which proposes that ego-threats can often result in acts of aggression. We were especially interested in whether the interaction between narcissism and anger would result in antisocial behaviour on Tinder. ...
In an attempt to address inconsistency in the literature regarding narcissism and online antisocial behaviour, we applied the theory of threatened egotism and aggression to examine whether anger moderates the relationship between narcissism and antisocial behaviour on Tinder. Specifically, we explored anger moderating the relationship between narcissistic subtypes of Grandiose Exhibitionism and Entitlement Exploitative and perpetration of antisocial behaviour (aggression and harassment) on Tinder. Tinder users (N = 1,001; 46.3% men and 53.7% women) with an average age of 22.42 years (SD = 4.31) completed an anonymous online questionnaire. Anger was a significant moderator of all relationships between narcissism and antisocial behaviour. Specifically, at average and high levels of anger there were positive, significant relationships between both facets of narcissism, and aggression and harassment on Tinder. These results indicate that trait narcissism alone may not explain perpetration of antisocial behaviour on Tinder, and to adequately explore this relationship future research should consider the role of threatened egotism.
... The inventory consists of three related, but conceptually different, aspects of sociosexuality; behavior, attitudes, and desire, and is an evolutionary relevant domain of individual differences as it predicts future mating investment (Penke and Asendorpf 2008). Recently, three different studies have found positive associations between SOI and mobile dating app use (Botnen et al. 2018;Hallam et al. 2018;Sevi 2019b). In addition, individuals with less restricted sociosexuality report casual sex as more motivational for dating app use (see also Sevi et al. 2018). ...
Several recent papers have established a link between personality and Tinder use, particularly with regards to sociosexuality and motivations for use. Following up our recent publication on dating apps and the studies linking Tinder and sociosexuality, we provide a more detailed investigation of the efficiency of using Tinder to acquire one-night stands or meet potential long-term committed relationship partners. Using self-reported data from 269 students (62% women), we find that a very large number of matches are required for a relative small number of meet ups, and result in a very limited number of hook-ups or potential romantic partner meetings. Merely 20% of the Tinder users in the sample have had one-night stands following Tinder use, and the majority of these only had one extra partner. The primary individual difference predictor of achieving casual sex using Tinder is unrestricted sociosexual attitudes, and this also predicts fewer potential romantic partner meetings.
Currently, individuals who score high on the dark Triad (dT) construct are receiving increasing attention. These individuals are often associated with the term "toxic" in romantic relationships. The present study addresses the question of whether the dT constructs psychopathy, narcissism and machiavellianism predict sexual risky, deviant behavior and relationship expectations and attitudes in intimate relationships. A total of 624 subjects completed the Short Dark Triad (SD3), the Relationship and Attachment Personality Inventory (BB-PI) and the Sexual Aggression and Victimization Scale (SAV-S) via an online survey. Multiple correlations, t-tests for independent samples and hierarchic linear regressions were calculated for the statistical analysis. The results show that the dT traits are predictive of sexual risky as well as dominant and aggressive behavior in intimate relationships and partially predictive of adult attachment anxiety. The dT correlated significantly with sexual aggression perpetration. Significant correlations were calculated between the dT and the perpetration of sexual violence in intimate relationships but due to a small sample size of sexual aggression perpetrators this association should be further evaluated.
Mismatch
An exploratory phenomenon study of the commission of sex offenses after contact through a dating site or dating app
In recent years, the popularity of using dating sites and apps has increased. The vast majority of contacts that result from the use of dating sites and apps meet social, psychosocial and physical needs. However, it also results in online and physical sex offenses.
Both in the Netherlands and internationally, little research has been done on the relationship between the use of dating sites and apps and sexual violence. Therefore, Bureau Beke conducted exploratory research on how sex offenses occur in the Netherlands after the use of dating sites and dating apps. An attempt was also made to map offender and victim profiles and to determine what measures are already being taken and are still being missed to combat these sex crimes.
To this end, an (inter)national literature study was conducted, media reports, criminal cases and police records were analyzed, and interviews with experts were conducted.
One of the main conclusions of this study is that there is a ''conscious offender group'' that is particularly guilty of online sex crimes such as unwanted sexting, revenge porn, financial and sexual sextortion. They take advantage of the opportunity to be more or less anonymous online. Namely, by stating less personal information or pretending to be someone else.
Novel evidence indicates that quality of sexual life is linked to the Dark Triad personality traits. However, results of Dark Triad research have often remained unreplicated, thus questioning the validity of observed effects. Here, we conceptually replicate and extend previous findings on the links of the Dark Triad to the quality of sexual life (i.e., sexual self-concept and generalized sexual satisfaction components) in a large, community-based sample (N = 896, 72% women, mean age = 28.1 years). Participants completed online self-assessments of narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and the quality of their sexual lives. Regression analyses showed that all dark traits were positively associated with higher sexual preoccupation, but narcissism and psychopathy were positively linked with higher sexual motivation, self-esteem, and assertiveness, yet negatively related to anxiety and fear. Higher Machiavellianism scores were linked to more negative emotions and lower sexual motivation, self-esteem, assertiveness, and satisfaction. While aversive personality traits were predictive of sexual self-concept and satisfaction, the superordinate predictive value of trait psychopathy raises concerns about the validity of the conceptualization of the Dark Triad as three overlapping, yet sufficiently distinct personality traits. We show that psychopathy appears to be the most important aversive personality trait driving quality of sexual life.
Il presente lavoro mira a trattare alcuni aspetti relativi all'utilizzo delle piatta-forme di dating online da parte della popolazione eterosessuale. Dopo avere spie-gato, nell'introduzione, il loro funzionamento generale, si procede all'analisi dei più importanti tratti di personalità legati all'utilizzo di questi servizi. Vengono successi-vamente trattate alcune strategie per la creazione del proprio profilo. Si affrontano poi alcuni dei più comuni rischi legati all'utilizzo dei sistemi di dating, come il cat-fishing o la pratica di avere rapporti sessuali non protetti con partner incontrati on-line. In conclusione, sono riportati i limiti del lavoro ed eventuali prospettive future di ricerca su alcuni aspetti del fenomeno ancora poco conosciuti.
Although dating applications (apps) have become popular among young adults, there is a dearth of information regarding the sexual health implications among Brazilian college students. This study examined risky sexual behavior and attitudes of dating app users, based on their sex in Brazil’s Legal Amazon. Three hundred and fifty-nine students reported their sociodemographic data, dating app use, and sexual behaviors and attitudes through self-administered questionnaires. Bivariate analyses and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed. Dating app use was reported by 238 (66.3%) subjects, most of whom had an encounter and sex with a casual partner. Women frequently requested condom use. Trust in one’s partner or having repeated encounters were the main reasons for engaging in risky sexual behavior. Men had a greater number of sexual partners and less protective attitudes. Sexual health awareness by apps was not reported by 97% of women, and most of them were not tested for sexually transmitted infections. A positive attitude toward sexual health was not a predictor of safe sex. Important similarities and differences regarding risky sexual behaviors and attitudes were observed between the sexes, many of which correlated with increased sexual vulnerability during the sexual encounters arranged through the dating apps. This cross-sectional study supports efforts on sexual health promotion and sexual education implementation in the face of growing usage of apps among young adults for sexual matters.
The present study examines the differences between users and non-users of mobile-based dating applications, along with individual user experiences. To better understand the typical online dating application consumer, this research utilized quantitative analyses to compare traditional college-age users versus non-users on behavioral and attitudinal measures. Qualitative coding took place to analyze open-ended survey responses from participants regarding personal experiences. Those who use mobile-based dating applications were significantly different from non-users on all variables examined, including rates of negative drinking behaviors, drug use, sexual compulsivity, sexual deception, and negative sexual behaviors. The review of qualitative responses revealed users experiencing a wide range of negative behaviors including stalking, consensual and non-consensual explicit photo sharing, consensual and non-consensual message sharing, and deception. This article provides a framework for the identification of potential risks of using online dating applications and highlights prevention programming that will enhance the awareness of problematic online dating behaviors.
Tinder is the leading online dating application. The users have different motivations to use the application, and casual sex is one of the major ones. Having casual sex has risks for the individuals’ health and safety. Casual sex may also result in suboptimal sexual behaviors. This study aimed to answer three questions: (1) Do Tinder users and non-users differ in their sexual disgust and health/safety risk-taking? (2) Does sexual disgust sensitivity and health/safety risk-taking predict the motivation use Tinder for casual sex? And, (3) does sex influence these differences? Results from 271 Amazon Mechanical Turk workers showed that Tinder users take more health/safety risks and have lower sexual disgust sensitivity than non-users. Also, propensity of health/ safety risk-taking and sexual disgust sensitivity predicts the motivation to use Tinder for casual sex. Furthermore, the effects of health/safety risk-taking and sexual disgust on Tinder use operated differently according to sex.
Tinder, a mobile dating application (app), facilitates the initiation of new, potentially romantic relationships and promotes itself as a social discovery platform dominating the U.S. with 1.4 billion swipes per day. This exploratory study investigates how people engage in relationship initiation behaviors through Tinder and highlights how interpersonal relationship initiation, selection processes, and strategic pre-interaction behaviors are evolving through contemporary-mediated dating culture. Participants (N = 395) were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to complete an online survey about their Tinder usage. The study employed descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to analyze reasons for selecting and deleting Tinder, pre-interaction processes, swiping strategies, and Tinder hookup culture. The prevalent view that Tinder is a sex, or hookup app, remains salient among users; although, many users utilize Tinder for creating other interpersonal communication connections and relationships, both romantic and platonic. Initially, Tinder users gather information to identify their preferences. Their strategies show clear implications for explicating the relationship development model and associated information pursuing strategies. Overall, this study argues that new emergent technologies are changing how interpersonal relationship initiation functions; the traditional face-to-face relationship development models and initiation conceptualizations should be modified to include the introduction of the pre-interaction processes apparent in mobile dating applications such as Tinder.
Tinder is quickly becoming one of the most popular mobile dating applications for meeting people within the vicinity. From a personality theory perspective, it is important to find out what motivates people to use Tinder and what makes them different from those who never used the application. The present study investigated how the Five-Factor Model of personality relates to both Tinder use and motives. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on 502 single emerging adults. Single Tinder users are more extraverted and open to new experiences than single non-users, whereas single non-users tend to be more conscientious than single Tinder users. Additionally, the findings provide several unique insights into how individual differences in singles can account for Tinder motives by supporting nearly all hypotheses. This study thus adds to a growing body of literature that examines traditional personality theories in the context of computer-mediated online environments.
Dating apps on smartphones have brought speed dating on the Internet to a new level. This exploratory investigation sought to determine what kinds of people use these apps, what their motivations are, and what precautions they take before meeting someone. One hundred and seventy-three non-users and 57 current users of dating apps were surveyed. The data suggest that the strongest motive for using dating apps is not for dating or sex, but for entertainment. On the other hand, the more frequent users of these apps are people whose personalities are predisposed towards varied sexual partners. These different motives may represent a disconnect between those who wish to kill time and those who are seeking sexual partners.
Although the smartphone application Tinder is increasingly popular among emerging adults, no empirical study has yet investigated why emerging adults use Tinder. Therefore, we aimed to identify the primary motivations of emerging adults to use Tinder. The study was conducted among Dutch 18-30 year old emerging adults who completed an online survey. Over half of the sample were current or former Tinder users (n = 163). An exploratory factor analysis, using a parallel analysis approach, uncovered six motivations to use Tinder: Love, Casual Sex, Ease of Communication, Self-Worth Validation, Thrill of Excitement, and Trendiness. In contrast to previously suggested, the Love motivation appeared to be a stronger motivation to use Tinder than the Casual Sex motivation. In line with literature on online dating, men were more likely to report a Casual Sex motivation for using Tinder than women. In addition, men more frequently reported Ease of Communication and Thrill of Excitement motives. With regard to age, the motivation Love, Casual Sex and Ease of Communication were positively related to age. Finally, Tinder motivations were meaningfully related to offline encounters with Tinder matches. In sum, the study showed that emerging adults have six primary motivations to use Tinder and that these motivations differ according to one's age and gender. Tinder should not be seen as merely a fun, hookup app without any strings attached, but as a new way for emerging adults to initiate committed romantic relationships. Notably, the findings call for a more encompassing perspective on why emerging adults use Tinder.
The present study explored the links between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and sexual fantasies in a sample of Canadian undergraduates (N = 643). Among the Dark Triad traits, psychopathy was the most strongly correlated with overall sex drive as well as fantasies containing exploratory, impersonal, and sadomasochistic themes. Further, individuals who scored high on narcissism reported engaging in intimate sexual fantasies more frequently. The Dark Triad, psychopathy in particular, facilitated overall sexual desire in men. Overall, these findings were consistent with the view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy. Implications are discussed in the context of an evolutionary framework.
Three socially aversive traits-Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy-have been studied as an overlapping constellation known as the Dark Triad. Here, we develop and validate the Short Dark Triad (SD3), a brief proxy measure. Four studies (total N = 1,063) examined the structure, reliability, and validity of the subscales in both community and student samples. In Studies 1 and 2, structural analyses yielded three factors with the final 27 items loading appropriately on their respective factors. Study 3 confirmed that the resulting SD3 subscales map well onto the longer standard measures. Study 4 validated the SD3 subscales against informant ratings. Together, these studies indicate that the SD3 provides efficient, reliable, and valid measures of the Dark Triad of personalities.
The current study (N = 242) seeks to establish the relationship between traits known collectively as the Dark Triad – narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism – and mating standards and preferences. Using a budget-allocation task, we correlated scores on the Dark Triad traits with mate preferences for a long-term and short-term mate. Men scoring high on the Dark Triad may be more indiscriminate than most when selecting for short-term mates in order to widen their prospects. Furthermore, those high on the Dark Triad – psychopathy in particular – tend to select for mates based on self-interest, assortative mating, or a predilection for volatile environments. We assessed these correlations when controlling for the Big Five and the sex of the participant. We also tested for moderation by the sex of the participant and mating context. Ramifications and future directions are considered.Highlights► Men high on the Dark Triad traits have quite low standards in short-term mates. ► Standards in long-term mates were robust to scores on the Dark Triad traits. ► The Dark Triad traits we inversely correlated with preferences for a kind mate.
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This survey (N = 224) found that characteristics collectively known as the Dark Triad (i.e. narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) were correlated with various dimensions of short-term mating but not long-term mating. The link between the Dark Triad and short-term mating was stronger for men than for women. The Dark Triad partially mediated the sex difference in short-term mating behaviour. Findings are consistent with a view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy in men. Possible implications, including that Dark Triad traits represent a bundle of individual differences that promote a reproductively adaptive strategy are discussed. Findings are discussed in the broad context of how an evolutionary approach to personality psychology can enhance our understanding of individual differences. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Of the offensive yet non-pathological personalities in the literature, three are especially prominent: Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy. We evaluated the recent contention that, in normal samples, this ‘Dark Triad’ of constructs are one and the same. In a sample of 245 students, we measured the three constructs with standard measures and examined a variety of laboratory and self-report correlates. The measures were moderately inter-correlated, but certainly were not equivalent. Their only common Big Five correlate was disagreeableness. Subclinical psychopaths were distinguished by low neuroticism; Machiavellians, and psychopaths were low in conscientiousness; narcissism showed small positive associations with cognitive ability. Narcissists and, to a lesser extent, psychopaths exhibited self-enhancement on two objectively scored indexes. We conclude that the Dark Triad of personalities, as currently measured, are overlapping but distinct constructs.
Little work has examined the manner in which the Dark Triad may function in relationship contexts. In this online, international study (N = 302), we correlated the Dark Triad with love styles. Individuals who scored high on the Dark Triad appear to have a ludus – game playing – and a pragma – cerebral – love style. Game playing may allow these individuals to keep others at an emotional distance to maintain their short-term mating style. The Dark Triad composite partially mediated the gender difference in the adoption
in the ludus love style, suggesting that the psychological systems that underlie this love style may relate to the adoption of an agentic social style. Similarly, loving with one’s head and not one’s heart may be an expression of the limited empathy/emotional systems characteristic of these individuals.
Sociosexuality is usually assessed as the overall orientation toward uncommitted sex, although this global approach may mask unique contributions of different components. In a large online study (N = 2,708) and a detailed behavioral assessment of 283 young adults (both singles and couples) with a 1-year follow-up, the authors established 3 theoretically meaningful components of sociosexuality: past behavioral experiences, the attitude toward uncommitted sex, and sociosexual desire (all measured by a revised version of the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory). Discriminant validity was shown with regard to (a) their factorial structure, (b) sex differences, (c) many established correlates of sociosexuality, and (d) the prediction of observed flirting behavior when meeting an attractive opposite-sex stranger, even down to the level of objectively coded behaviors, as well as (e) the self-reported number of sexual partners and (f) changes in romantic relationship status over the following year. Within couples, the 3 components also showed distinct degrees of assortative mating and distinct effects on the romantic partner. Implications for the evolutionary psychology of mating tactics are discussed.
This article proposes a contextual-evolutionary theory of human mating strategies. Both men and women are hypothesized to have evolved distinct psychological mechanisms that underlie short-term and long-term strategies. Men and women confront different adaptive problems in short-term as opposed to long-term mating contexts. Consequently, different mate preferences become activated from their strategic repertoires. Nine key hypotheses and 22 predictions from Sexual Strategies Theory are outlined and tested empirically. Adaptive problems sensitive to context include sexual accessibility, fertility assessment, commitment seeking and avoidance, immediate and enduring resource procurement, paternity certainty, assessment of mate value, and parental investment. Discussion summarizes 6 additional sources of behavioral data, outlines adaptive problems common to both sexes, and suggests additional contexts likely to cause shifts in mating strategy.
This study investigates individual differences, sex differences and predictors of current and prior use of Picture-Based Mobile Dating Apps (PBMDA), including level and type of PBMDA activity, and reasons for PBMDA use. Six hundred and forty-one Norwegian university students aged between 19 and 29 years completed a questionnaire in lecture breaks. Nearly half of the participants reported former or current PBMDA use. One in five was current users. We found that PBMDA-users tend to report being less restricted in their sociosexuality (as measured with the SOI-R) than participants who have never used PBMDAs. This effect was equally strong for men and women. Sociosexuality essentially accounted for the effects of other variables such as seeking a casual sex partner, being comfortable picking up strangers, and self-reported short-term mate value. As predicted, women and men's reasons for using PBMDAs differed. Relative to women, men emphasized desire for sex as a reason for using PBMDAs. When controlling for sex, age and SOI Desire there was no evidence that length of use increased lifetime casual sex partners. We conclude that the new technology provided by PBMDAs merely represents a new arena for short-term sexual behavior, and not necessarily a facilitator of new sexual behaviors.
The current studies investigated the influence of Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) on women's romantic relationships. For Study 1, women (N = 122) completed the Mach IV, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, NPI-16, and Experiences in Close Relationships Revised Questionnaire. High secondary psychopathy and low narcissism predicted higher levels of attachment anxiety. High Machiavellianism, primary psychopathy, and secondary psychopathy each predicted higher attachment avoidance. For Study 2, women (N = 265) completed Dark Triad trait measures and the Accommodation Scale. Machiavellianism predicted lower active or passive constructive responses to a partner's destructive (or potentially destructive) behavior and lower active destructive responses. Primary psychopathy predicted greater active and passive destructive behavior whereas secondary psychopathy predicted lower active constructive responses. For Study 3, women (N = 240) completed Dark Triad trait measures and the Interpersonal Violence Control Scale. Secondary psychopathy was associated with increased levels of each form of control (control through surveillance and threats, control over everyday routines and decision making, and control over autonomous behavior). Machiavellianism and primary psychopathy also predicted increased control over autonomous behavior.
My first international publication started out with the following sentences: “Some findings of social psychology may refer to general panhuman relationships, others to relationships that hold only within specific socio-cultural settings. Only systematic cross-cultural comparison can separate these or identify the limits within which particular generalizations hold” (Kagitcibasi, 1970, p. 444). These words still reflect my orientation to psychology and have shaped my work over half a century.
Tinder, also known as the “hook-up app” is the leading online dating application. In this study, we explored the reasons for using Tinder when seeking opportunities for casual sex. We asked whether sexual disgust sensitivity and sociosexuality predict Tinder use with motivation for casual sex. We also tested if gender moderated this relationship. Results of the data collected from 169 Tinder using Amazon Mechanical Turk workers revealed that sexual disgust sensitivity and sociosexuality were predictors of motivation to use Tinder for casual sex. The participants with higher sexual disgust sensitivity reported a lower motivation while the participants with higher sociosexuality reported a higher motivation for casual sex in their Tinder usage. While this model explained the motivation for men, a different model explained women's motivation. Sociosexuality mediated the relationship between sexual disgust sensitivity and the motivation to use Tinder for casual sex for women Tinder users. Results are discussed from an evolutionary perspective.
The current study examined the relations between the three Dark Triad (DT) traits and three types of jealousy, among both heterosexual and homosexual men and women involved in a romantic relationship (n = 439). It was hypothesized that the three DT traits would be related positively to those types of jealousy that have the potential to become delusional, that is anxious and preventive jealousy, but not to the relatively ‘healthy’ type of jealousy, that is reactive jealousy. In addition, differences were examined between men and women, and between homosexuals and heterosexuals with regard to the DT traits, the three types of jealousy, and the relationships between these variables. Results largely confirmed the hypothesis. In addition, moderation analyses showed that the relationships between the three DT traits and the three types of jealousy were not moderated by participant sex or sexual orientation. The current study's findings may deepen our understanding of the role of the DT in the mating psychology of both heterosexuals and homosexuals.
This article reviews how behaviors and psychological tendencies in close relationships differ between cultures, and proposes a socioecological framework to understand those differences. Our review of the literature finds that paradoxically, people in individualistic cultures are more actively engaged in close relationships (e.g., higher levels of social support, self-disclosure, intimacy, and love) than those in collectivistic cultures. From an adaptationist perspective, we argue that one reason for these differences is higher levels of relational mobility in individualistic cultures. In societies with high relational mobility, where relationships are relatively more fragile, more active engagement in close relationships helps individuals to impress potential, and retain current, partners. We emphasize the importance of examining socioecologies to better understand close relationships.
Based on I-3 theory, the present study investigated a model in which the Dark Triad of personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) influence the rated likelihood of engaging in revenge against a romantic partner. We presented participants with a hypothetical act of infidelity, hypothesizing that the Dark Triad would relate positively to factors that could impel revenge (perceptions of revenge effectiveness and endorsement of goals related to power and justice) and negatively to factors that could inhibit revenge (perceptions of revenge costliness and endorsement of goals related to relationship maintenance). Although the Dark Triad bore substantial indirect relationships to the rated likelihood of taking revenge through our postulated impelling factors, our hypothesized inhibiting factors did not substantially inhibit revenge. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Online dating sites frequently claim that they have fundamentally altered the dating landscape for the better. This article employs psychological science to examine (a) whether online dating is fundamentally different from conventional offline dating and (b) whether online dating promotes better romantic outcomes than conventional offline dating. The answer to the first question (uniqueness) is yes, and the answer to the second question (superiority) is yes and no. To understand how online dating fundamentally differs from conventional offline dating and the circumstances under which online dating promotes better romantic outcomes than conventional offline dating, we consider the three major services online dating sites offer: access, communication, and matching. Access refers to users' exposure to and opportunity to evaluate potential romantic partners they are otherwise unlikely to encounter. Communication refers to users' opportunity to use various forms of computer-mediated communication (CMC) to interact with specific potential partners through the dating site before meeting face-to-face. Matching refers to a site's use of a mathematical algorithm to select potential partners for users. Regarding the uniqueness question, the ways in which online dating sites implement these three services have indeed fundamentally altered the dating landscape. In particular, online dating, which has rapidly become a pervasive means of seeking potential partners, has altered both the romantic acquaintance process and the compatibility matching process. For example, rather than meeting potential partners, getting a snapshot impression of how well one interacts with them, and then slowly learning various facts about them, online dating typically involves learning a broad range of facts about potential partners before deciding whether one wants to meet them in person. Rather than relying on the intuition of village elders, family members, or friends or to select which pairs of unacquainted singles will be especially compatible, certain forms of online dating involve placing one's romantic fate in the hands of a mathematical matching algorithm. Turning to the superiority question, online dating has important advantages over conventional offline dating. For example, it offers unprecedented (and remarkably convenient) levels of access to potential partners, which is especially helpful for singles who might otherwise lack such access. It also allows online daters to use CMC to garner an initial sense of their compatibility with potential partners before deciding whether to meet them face-to-face. In addition, certain dating sites may be able to collect data that allow them to banish from the dating pool people who are likely to be poor relationship partners in general. On the other hand, the ways online dating sites typically implement the services of access, communication, and matching do not always improve romantic outcomes; indeed, they sometimes undermine such outcomes. Regarding access, encountering potential partners via online dating profiles reduces three-dimensional people to two-dimensional displays of information, and these displays fail to capture those experiential aspects of social interaction that are essential to evaluating one's compatibility with potential partners. In addition, the ready access to a large pool of potential partners can elicit an evaluative, assessment-oriented mindset that leads online daters to objectify potential partners and might even undermine their willingness to commit to one of them. It can also cause people to make lazy, ill-advised decisions when selecting among the large array of potential partners. Regarding communication, although online daters can benefit from having short-term CMC with potential partners before meeting them face-to-face, longer periods of CMC prior to a face-to-face meeting may actually hurt people's romantic prospects. In particular, people tend to overinterpret the social cues available in CMC, and if CMC proceeds unabated without a face-to-face reality check, subsequent face-to-face meetings can produce unpleasant expectancy violations. As CMC lacks the experiential richness of a face-to-face encounter, some important information about potential partners is impossible to glean from CMC alone; most users will want to meet a potential partner in person to integrate their CMC and face-to-face impressions into a coherent whole before pursuing a romantic relationship. Regarding matching, no compelling evidence supports matching sites' claims that mathematical algorithms work-that they foster romantic outcomes that are superior to those fostered by other means of pairing partners. Part of the problem is that matching sites build their mathematical algorithms around principles-typically similarity but also complementarity-that are much less important to relationship well-being than has long been assumed. In addition, these sites are in a poor position to know how the two partners will grow and mature over time, what life circumstances they will confront and coping responses they will exhibit in the future, and how the dynamics of their interaction will ultimately promote or undermine romantic attraction and long-term relationship well-being. As such, it is unlikely that any matching algorithm that seeks to match two people based on information available before they are aware of each other can account for more than a very small proportion of the variance in long-term romantic outcomes, such as relationship satisfaction and stability. In short, online dating has radically altered the dating landscape since its inception 15 to 20 years ago. Some of the changes have improved romantic outcomes, but many have not. We conclude by (a) discussing the implications of online dating for how people think about romantic relationships and for homogamy (similarity of partners) in marriage and (b) offering recommendations for policymakers and for singles seeking to make the most out of their online dating endeavors.
According to evolutionary theories of human mating, people should feel the most romantic desire toward potential mates who possess reproductively adaptive attributes. Across five person-perception experiments involving staged interviews, we found that men’s and women’s feelings of romantic desire can be manipulated by varying adaptive attributes in a target person. For example, during some interviews, participants were exposed to an experimental confederate exhibiting cues to easy sexual access. Because men’s short-term sexual strategy is based on obtaining high numbers of partners, it was predicted that exposure to a target person suggesting easy sexual access would especially intensify men’s short-term romantic desires. The authors found evidence that targets who exhibited cues to easy sexual access were rated the most desirable by men in the context of short-term mating. Discussion focused on limitations of the current studies and on the importance of invoking methodological pluralism when testing evolutionary theories of romantic desire.
Online dating is unique in the pursuit of romance. The bond created between potential partners takes a different path than normal dating relationships. Online dating usually begins with a flurry of e-mail messages, each more intimate than the last. Traditional dating relationships that might take months to develop in the real world, take weeks or even days online. Much has been written about cyber-dating, but little research has been done. This series of four studies examines the online dating process, similarities and differences between online and traditional dating, and the impact of emotionality and self-disclosure on first (e-mail) impressions of a potential partner. Results indicate that the amount of emotionality and self-disclosure affected a person’s perception of a potential partner. An e-mail with strong emotional words (e.g., excited, wonderful) led to more positive impressions than an e-mail with fewer strong emotional words (e.g., happy, fine) and resulted in nearly three out of four subjects selecting the e-mailer with strong emotional words for the fictitious dater of the opposite sex. Results for self-disclosure e-mails were complex, but indicate that levels of self-disclosure led to different impressions. Low levels of self-disclosure were generally preferred in choosing for the fictitious dater, although these preferences differed by gender, education, and ethnic background. Results were discussed in terms of theories of computer-mediated communication.