General objective

The main objective of this project is to investigate the impact of mobile dating on affective-sexual relationships in Spain. Through an ethnographically oriented research (which includes interviews, virtual observation and conversation analysis), we intend to examine the uses and practices, the communication/interaction and the motivations of the users of this form of communication that is transforming the way affective-sexual relations are produced in Spain. The object of study proposed in this project, in short, constitutes a current and expanding phenomenon. The approach adopted, genuinely interdisciplinary, is based on approaches typical of communication studies, but also involves sociology, anthropology or cultural studies. This approach makes it possible to bring together diverse research interests, perspectives and methodologies within the framework of the same project.

 

Specific objectives

  • To examine how mobile dating users self-present through their profiles (photos, bios, and personal descriptions).
  • To evaluate the impact of dating app design, features, and benefits (affordances) on mobile dating uses and practices. 

 

Methodology

In the methodological design, to (1) explore the uses, practices and motivations of mobile dating users in Spain; (2) examine mobile dating users' modes of self-presentation through their profiles; (3) assess the impact of dating app design, functions, and benefits (affordances) on mobile dating uses and practices; (4) describe the patterns of interaction/communication in affective-sexual relationships mediated by mobile dating, we will use an ethnographically oriented methodology.

Specifically, we will use:

  • In-depth interviews: The data collection is made up of subjects from the Spanish geographical area who are or have been mobile dating users. 
  • Ethnographic (virtual) observation: Ethnographic observation allows us to explore the practices, uses and modes of self-presentation of Tinder and Grindr users.  
  • Conversation analysis: will be used to examine the mediated interaction of users through the messaging system of the two mobile applications.