Sklonost korištenju aplikacija za upoznavanje i razvoj međuljudskih vještina milenijalaca

Abstract

The research examines the relationship between personality types and the inclination to use dating apps in the context of establishing long-term relationships. Specifically, it quantitatively tests whether there is a correlation between millennials’ preference for dating apps and their readiness for real-life interactions. The main hypothesis posits that introverted millennials exhibit a more pronounced tendency to use dating apps. To test this, an anonymous online survey was conducted using Google Forms, with Facebook as the research platform. The study aimed to gain a comprehensive psychological profile of dating app users and their dating habits. The research focused on millennials in Croatia (born between 1987 and 1994) residing in Zagreb. The independent variable was the development of millennials’ interpersonal skills, while the dependent variable was defined as the inclination to use dating apps. The primary hypothesis, asserting that introverted millennials have a heightened propensity for using dating apps, was not fully confirmed. Instead, the study reveals a stronger inclination among introverts to use dating apps and messaging as communication tools for social interactions, not necessarily for longterm relationships. Our results are in line with Social Exchange Theory. In the context of the data, individuals seem to make choices regarding digital communication platforms based on the perceived benefits, such as mitigating the emotional impact of rejection, convenience, and the enjoyment derived from these interactions. The theory also touches upon the concept of rewards and costs, where individuals seek relationships or interactions that provide more rewards than costs. In this case, the rewards may include emotional comfort, convenience, and enjoyment, while the costs might involve potential face-to-face discomfort or rejection.