The mediating role of self-disclosure on the relationship development process in online and offline dating

Abstract

For many, being in a romantic relationship is an important life goal, and it is common to find this through an online dating app nowadays. Research shows that dating apps may foster the relationship development process, but also hinder this process. Additionally, there is much disagreement about the degree of self-disclosure – an important aspect involved in relationship formation – in online and offline dating settings. It was hypothesized that self- disclosure has a positive effect on the relationship development process and that the degree of self-disclosure is higher in online dating settings. Besides, the online dating setting was expected to slow down the relationship development process. Taken together, it was hypothesized that self-disclosure mediates the effect of dating setting on the relationship development process. A cross-sectional study (N = 144) has been conducted among 18- to 29- year-olds who were involved in a relationship at time of participation. Contrary to predictions, regression analysis showed that self-disclosure causes a slower relationship development process. Independent samples t-test showed no significant difference in the relationship development process, nor the extent of self-disclosure between the two dating settings. Self- disclosure thus does not mediate the effect of dating setting on the relationship development process. Further research is needed to further explore the effect of self-disclosure on the relationship development process, incorporating relationship duration and type of dating app. In addition, it may be valuable to create an up-to-date scale for measuring the relationship development process.