Intimacy in the App Age

Abstract

<p>The increasingly connected world calls into question how the mobile technology that is relied on for so many daily tasks also transforms how people meet romantic partners, interact with them, and decide whether to establish or forgo relationships. This chapter explores how romantic relationship processes and outcomes are simultaneously altered, supported, and facilitated by applications native to mobile devices. The authors begin with a description of mobile dating, highlighting the features and affordances characteristic to mobile dating applications, as opposed to online dating. They then examine how individuals use mobile communication technology in the relational initiation phase: (1) goals and motivations of mobile app use, (2) impression formation and self-presentation on mobile apps, (3) mate selection and decision-making during relational initiation, and (4) messaging and interaction. Throughout the chapter, the effects of culture, identity, and gender are also explored. The authors conclude with suggestions for continued research into mobile dating.</p>