Page No.399-410
Ishitha Verma
Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
Dark triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) may predispose
individuals to engage in online dating to fulfil their needs for attention and affirmation,
and motives behind cyber dating (romance, escape into a virtual realm, and adventure)
may partially explain the strong correlation between these traits and internet addiction.
This study investigates the relationships between dark triad traits, cyber dating motives
and internet addiction among 360 young adults aged 18-24. Utilising self-report measures
such as the Cyber Relationships Motive Scale, Short Dark Triad, and Six-item Version
of the Internet Addiction Test, and employing correlation, mediation, and t-test analyses.
The findings highlight significant correlations between variables and the mediating role
of cyber dating motives in the relationship between dark triad traits and internet addiction,
with observed gender differences. These results provide crucial implications for
relationship counselling, understanding digital-age behaviour, and developing strategies
for healthier online interactions and policies
.