Online dating, dating anxiety, and fear of being single

The fear of being single (FOBS) represents an internal disposition wherein a person places a high value on being partnered, resulting in feelings of anxiousness and discontent when not. FOBSs has been associated with a host of negative relational and well-being outcomes that can, in turn, undermine their desires to develop (and maintain) meaningful romantic relationships. How FOBS operates in the dating app context represents an important, yet understudied domain in relationship research. The present study ( n = 269) explored the associations between FOBS and well-being outcomes (dating anxiety, self-esteem, depressive symptoms), as products of dating app behaviours and intentions. While FOBS was related to depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and dating anxiety, these associations could not be explained via time spent on apps nor the user’s motive for using dating apps. An exploratory model identified dating anxiety as a potential mediator between FOBS and depressive symptoms, suggesting that FOBS may be linked to higher dating anxiety, and in turn, worse mental health. These findings expand our understanding of how relationship insecurities manifest in the online dating context. Implications are discussed.