Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2021

Abstract

With news media coverage of free dating app horror stories of serial rapists and undergraduates reporting having been lied to in previous relationships, 157 undergraduate students at Morehead State University and East Carolina University completed an anonymous, voluntary 31 item online survey to assesses vetting/background checks on potential/current romantic partners. Over three-fourths (75.5%) of the respondents reported that they had Facebook/social media stalked a potential romantic partner with about a quarter reporting having conducted a background check on someone they were considering meeting or were already dating. Focus groups were also conducted with 23 undergraduate students who provided further insight into vetting. Exchange theory was used to interpret the findings. Vetting today may be more about survival than distrust.

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