Factors Associated with Dating Behaviour among University Students in Indonesia: Cross-sectional Study

Dating behaviour among university students has become increasingly complex with the advancement of social media and peer influence. This study aims to analyse the relationship between social media usage and peer influence on dati ng behaviour among university students. The study used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 388 respondents, selected using a purposive sampling technique through a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test. The study results indicate that most students were 21 years old, female, and originated from outside the province. Most students were categorised as heavy social media users, with a usage duration of more than five hours per day. Regarding social media literacy, most students had a moderate level of proficiency. Peer influence was nearly evenly distributed. Additionally, most students engaged in risky dating behaviour. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between age, gender, social media literacy, and peer influence on dating behaviour. No significant correlation was found between place of origin and duration of social media usage with dating behaviour. This study recommends strengthening counselling services at the University level and establishing a peer educator program to provide accurate reproductive health information. Future research is encouraged to explore the influence of geographical and cultural factors on students' dating behaviour.