The actualisation of mobile dating application affordances to support racial digital dating intentions: the case of tinder

Maureen Tanner

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2024, vol. 43, issue 5, 831-844

Abstract: Mobile dating applications like Tinder have changed how romantic relationships are pursued. However, real-world issues (e.g. racial hierarchies) are recreated within digital spaces and influence inter- and intra-racial dating intentions. The study explored how users actualise the affordances of a mobile dating application like Tinder to fulfil their racialized dating intentions. Through a qualitative study based on 25 semi-structured interviews, four novel propositions are formulated. The study specifically contributes to affordance theory as well as theories around self-presentation, impression formation and preference disclosure. The propositions articulate how inter- and intra- racial dating intentions are supported when mediated by the actualisation of mobile dating applications affordances namely Visual Dominance, Synchronicity and Locatability. The study also bridges a gap in mobile dating literature by focusing on a context beyond the Global North context, namely South Africa.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2023.2190417

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