Understanding Cyberstalking Victimization: An Examination of Various Risk Factors Associated with Dating App-Facilitated Cyberstalking

• In Event: Technology-Facilitated Victimization: Risks and Long-Term Harms

Abstract

Online dating applications have grown in popularity in recent years and have become a normalized part of modern dating practices. Despite the heightened use of dating apps, there is a dearth of literature exploring how online dating apps facilitate cyberstalking victimization among users. Using a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 931), the current study examined whether dating app users’ differential interactions with these apps (i.e., how many apps they use; how much information they disclose on their profile) predicted their likelihood of experiencing cyberstalking victimization. Findings revealed that individuals who used a wider variety of online dating apps, shared private information on their dating app profiles, utilized verification features, and had matched with an underage dating app user, were at a heightened risk of experiencing dating app-facilitated cyberstalking victimization. The theoretical and policy implications of this study will be discussed in detail.

Authors

• Jennifer Ayerza, George Mason University

• Jin Lee, George Mason University

• Roberta Liggett O'Malley, University of South Florida

• Claire Seungeun Lee, University of Massachusetts Lowell