Cyberstalking and Online Dating: Examining Cyberstalking Victimization Among Dating App Users

Abstract Dating apps have revolutionized modern relationships by alleviating spatiotemporal barriers once posed by traditional dating rituals, allowing users to connect with a greater pool of potential partners based on desired traits and shared interests. Despite the various benefits of dating apps, their emergence has also introduced new risks, including heightened exposure to cyberstalking victimization. While prior studies have examined cyberstalking victimization broadly, limited research has explored how dating app use specifically contributes to victimization. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between user demographics, platform features, and app-related behaviors on dating app-facilitated cyberstalking victimization. Specifically, using a sample of adults ( N = 848) who have used dating apps, this exploratory study examined how factors such as the number of dating apps used, types of information disclosure, and user experiences impact victimization risk. Findings revealed that 27% of respondents reported experiencing dating app-facilitated cyberstalking victimization. Further, analyses revealed that using more dating apps, disclosing more social identity within one’s dating app profile, using more premium features, adopting a pseudonym or nickname on the dating app, and matching with an underage user significantly increased the likelihood of experiencing dating app-facilitated cyberstalking victimization. Relatedly, respondents who identified as non-White were significantly less likely to experience dating app-facilitated cyberstalking victimization. These findings underscore the evolving nature of cybercrime and highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, platform regulation, and legal responses.