Understanding Deception Tactics with the Utilization of Dating Applications

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the utilization of deceptive tactics and dating applications. The Machiavellian IV Scale, Taxonomy of Deceptive Mating Acts, and Tactics Scale were analyzed and used to gather information from participants’ experiences from online dating. An Independent T-test sample test evaluated the statistical differences between gender and the likely use of deception. One-Way ANOVA determined statistical differences between age groups and their relationship to the use of deception. Pearson correlation assessed the correlation between the numbers of dating applications owned by a single individual to their use of deception. The findings of this study encompass the guiding theories of Hyperpersonal Communication Theory and Evolutionary Theory. The null hypothesis stating that there is no relationship between gender and age to the likelihood use of deception, and the level of Machiavellianism was supported. The experimental hypothesis stating that there is a positive correlation in owning multiple dating applications to increased use of deceptive tactics was supported.