LE3 .A278 2015

2015

Vannier, Sarah

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between dating technology use and new relationship characteristics. Dating technologies were defined as social networking sites, Geosocial apps and online dating. Participants included 86 young adults ages 18 to 24 currently in a new dating relationship. Participants completed an online survey regarding their use of dating technologies, communication, stress or tension in their relationship, satisfaction, investment, quality of alternatives, and backburners. Results are consistent with the literature suggesting that young adults are major consumers of dating technologies. Participants frequently use dating technologies to communicate with a romantic partner, and reported low to moderate levels of tension and stress in their relationship as a result of technology use. Although the current study did not support many of the research hypotheses, it was exploratory in nature and provides groundwork for future research into the area of technology use and its associations with interpersonal relationships in young adults. Keywords: young adults, dating technologies, romantic relationships

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1207