College Undergrads and Dating Apps
In this qualitative research study, my teammates and used qualitative methods (semi-structured interview, a drawing exercise, and behavior observation) to understand the experiences of college undergraduates with using dating apps. We wrote a research paper and gave a presentation to detail our process.
Prior to conducting the study, we did a literature review to explore the existing research on this topic. We found a gap in knowledge in rich contextual information on the underlying experiences of college undergraduates with using dating apps, especially their motivations for using and expectations of the apps.
Our main findings are that all participants in the study used Tinder. They reported using Tinder because they wanted to date or have casual sexual encounters with people and the app makes it easy for them to find and meet people that have similar expectations. We also learned about Tinder culture being one centered around sex and that there's stigma associated with being a Tinder user. Participants prefer to meet prospects for a serious relationship in real life as opposed to on a dating app. However, they still held some optimism that a serious relationship could develop from a Tinder match.
Please view the presentation and paper below to see more detailed information on how we conducted the study and analyzed the results, our findings, and conclusions.
Prior to conducting the study, we did a literature review to explore the existing research on this topic. We found a gap in knowledge in rich contextual information on the underlying experiences of college undergraduates with using dating apps, especially their motivations for using and expectations of the apps.
Our main findings are that all participants in the study used Tinder. They reported using Tinder because they wanted to date or have casual sexual encounters with people and the app makes it easy for them to find and meet people that have similar expectations. We also learned about Tinder culture being one centered around sex and that there's stigma associated with being a Tinder user. Participants prefer to meet prospects for a serious relationship in real life as opposed to on a dating app. However, they still held some optimism that a serious relationship could develop from a Tinder match.
Please view the presentation and paper below to see more detailed information on how we conducted the study and analyzed the results, our findings, and conclusions.
Presentation
Research Paper
research_paper_-_college_undergraduate_experiences_with_dating_apps_.pdf | |
File Size: | 325 kb |
File Type: |