PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET (Version 4, dated 25.11.2025)
You are being invited to participate in a research study exploring dating app use in London. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and feel free to ask us if you would like more information or if there is anything that you do not understand. Please also feel free to discuss this with your friends and relatives if you wish. We would like to stress that you do not have to accept this invitation and should only agree to take part if you want to.
Thank you for reading this.
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of the study is to understand more about the relationship between loneliness, dating app use and self-compassion.
Why have I been invited to take part?
We are looking for adult volunteers who are aged 18+, live in London and use dating apps. All participants are required to have knowledge of the English language to a degree where they will be able to understand the written information provided.
Do I have to take part?
You are under no obligation to take part in this study; it is completely your choice. If you do decide to take part, you are free to withdraw without giving a reason, and without incurring a disadvantage.
What will happen if I take part?
You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your dating app use. You will then be asked some questions about yourself. We will provide you with a full explanation of the study when you are finished, along with details of relevant support networks should you require any further information or advice. The whole process should take no-longer than 20-25 minutes to complete.
How will my data be used?
The University processes personal data as part of its research and teaching activities in accordance with the lawful basis of ‘public task’, and in accordance with the University’s purpose of “advancing education, learning and research for the public benefit.
Under UK data protection legislation, the University acts as the Data Controller for personal data collected as part of the University’s research. The Principal Investigator (Gabrielle Durie) and Supervisor (Sandy Belle Rosales Cadena) acts as the Data Processor for this study, and any queries relating to the handling of your personal data can be sent to [hlgdurie@liverpool.ac.uk / S.Rosales-Cadena@liverpool.ac.uk].
Are there any risks in taking part?
There are no anticipated risks to you if you take part in the study. However, some individuals may find questions relating to loneliness or app use a little upsetting. You are reminded that if at any point you should experience any discomfort or disadvantage as part of the research you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason. During the study you may withdraw by closing the survey. However, responses to questions you have completed up until this point will be used unless you inform the research team otherwise. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the study, please feel free to contact the researcher and we will try to help. The research team are not clinically trained and cannot provide therapeutic help or support for those in distress. There are contact details for UK and international support agencies in the participant debrief which we advise you to access if you feel like you may need additional support.
