Online Dating’s Effects on Adolescents: A Quick Overview with Reference to the Indian Context

Abstract

Background: Teenagers and adults alike are increasingly using online dating, which has both benefits and drawbacks.  Online grooming, bullying, emotional abuse, revenge porn, harassment, and a lack of social connection are among the many problems associated with online dating that adolescents are more susceptible to. Aim:  Our goal was to provide a concise overview of the material that has been written about the effects of online dating on teenagers, with a focus on the current Indian situation. Methods: In September 2022, a quick, no-date literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar.  Various phrase combinations, including “online dating,” “dating applications,” “social media,” “mental illness,” “psychiatric disorders,” “adolescents,” and “mental health,” were among the keywords.  In our investigation, original research and review publications written in English that examined the effects of internet dating on teenagers were examined.  A descriptive technique was employed to summarise the findings. Results: The effects of online dating on teenagers are examined in light of three factors: (1) difficulties related to teenage online dating; (2) the global context; and (3) the Indian context. Conclusion: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, teenagers have been more interested in online dating.  It has led to a number of troubling scenarios, including higher risk of sexually transmitted illnesses, dating violence, and mental health difficulties.  The literature discusses each of these problems in relation to unsupervised use.  of technology, peer pressure, and desire to fit into the mainstream.  There is still a dearth of Indian data on this subject, underscoring the necessity for study exploring the influence of online dating on adolescents.