Liquid love? Dating apps, sex, relationships and the digital transformation of intimacy

Abstract

In Liquid Love Zygmunt Bauman argued that the solidity and security once provided by life-long partnerships has been ‘liquefied’ by rampant individualisation and technological change. He believes internet dating is symptomatic of social and technological change that transforms modern courtship into a type of commodified game. This article explores the experiences of users of digital dating and hook-up applications (or ‘apps’) in order to assess the extent to which a digital transformation of intimacy might be under way. It examines the different affordances provided by dating apps, and whether users feel the technology has influenced their sexual practices and views on long-term relationships, monogamy and other romantic ideals. This study shows that dating apps are intermediaries through which individuals engage in strategic performances in pursuit of love, sex and intimacy. Ultimately, this article contends that some accounts of dating apps and modern romantic practices are too pessimistic, and downplay the positives of ‘networked intimacy’.

Online Exogamy Reconsidered: Estimating the Internet’s Effects on Racial, Educational, Religious, Political and Age Assortative Mating

“…Some interfaces also encourage cultural homophily more than others; the prompting to list favored cultural items and activities that has been typical of online dating websites is an extreme example, but this can occur more subtly as well. The presentation of self, and the construction of online versions of oneself, are also influenced by the design of the interface, as well as by the perceived cultural standards of that space (Hobbs et al 2017). By shaping how users perceive not just each other but also themselves online, interfaces can heighten some homophilies while dampening others.…”

Mind, Body and Boundaries: Self-Presentation on the Nordic LGBTQ Online Dating Scene

“…However, this goal is often in tension with the natural inclination to frame a version of the self that is thought to be desirable (Ellison et al, 2006). The use of flattering profile photos is not surprising as individuals who represent dominant beauty ideals in society usually are in a better position to exploit a wider range of people on online dating sites (Hobbs et al, 2017). Non-heterosexuals online have been known to self-present in a less authentic fashion compared to heterosexuals, and here self-esteem seems to be the most important predictor in fostering authentic selfpresentation (Ranzini and Lutz, 2017).…”

“…Online dating sites and apps have transformed the dating landscape and increasingly compete with, and overshadow, conventional spaces for singles (Finkel et al, 2012;Nash, 2013). Many members of online dating sites emphasize the possibility to pursue multiple potential partners simultaneously in an endless sea of profiles (Jones, 2005;Hobbs et al, 2017). This shopping mentality has however, not rendered longing for romance and love obsolete (Rosenfeld and Byung-Soo, 2005).…”

“Tailored pornography”

“…Harder, Bentzen, Demant and Maxwell and casual ones (Hobbs, Owen, & Gerber, 2017;Timmermans & Courtois, 2018). However, sexting outcomes have been shown to vary across relationship types, as those who sext within casual relationships are found to experience the most negative consequences (Drouin, 2018).…”