Digital relationships in the age of swiping: Individuals' experiences of using dating apps

With the pervasive integration of digital platforms into various facets of daily life, romantic relationship dynamics have undergone significant transformation; Mobile dating applications have emerged as a pivotal channel for partner acquisition, fostering intimacy, building connections, and sustaining relationships. This study aims to comprehensively explore users' motivations for using mobile dating applications, the applications' challenging and facilitative aspects, users' partner selection criteria, self-presentation strategies, security concerns and coping mechanisms, as well as individual positioning in response to societal judgments. The research population was determined using criterion sampling, a purposeful sampling method. A total of 24 young adults 12 women and 12 men participated in the study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Participants responded to a personal information form and interview questions designed by the researcher. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis; with codes, sub-themes, and themes identified. Findings reveal that users engage with mobile dating applications not only for emotional bonding but also various desires and expectations such as socialization, expanding social networks, sexual interests and needs, and self-validation. Partner selection criteria extend beyond physical attractiveness to include personality traits, communication styles, compatibility, and shared interests. Both participants' and other users' self-presentations on dating applications reflect a strategic balance between authentic and idealized selves, with perceptions of authenticity and trustworthiness have been shaped by the consistency between digital profiles and real-life representations. Specific criteria emerged in transitioning digital flirtations to offline interactions, and certain strategies have been developed for security. Post-usage perceptions have taken shape by the to the level to which users' expectations have been met. Additionally, the attitudes of both the society and the users towards dating applications have been handled, and revealed that individual positions against judgments varied. The findings have been discussed within the context of existing literature, and recommendations have been provided for both users and professionals.