Queer enough to swipe right? Dating app experiences of sexual minority women: A cross-disciplinary review

Sexual minorities are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to use mobile dating applications. Queer women identify the internet as a powerful means for connection, yet their use of dating apps has received little scholarly attention. This cross-disciplinary review synthesizes the literat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers in human behavior reports 2022-12, Vol.8, p.100238, Article 100238
Main Author: Smith, Molly Grace
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bisexual women
Computer mediated communication
Dating apps
Lesbian
Tinder
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Summary:Sexual minorities are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to use mobile dating applications. Queer women identify the internet as a powerful means for connection, yet their use of dating apps has received little scholarly attention. This cross-disciplinary review synthesizes the literature on experiences of queer women on dating apps and explores their motivations, habits, perceived risks and benefits, and safety strategies. Five databases were searched and 21 reports were included in the final analysis. Queer women used dating apps for a variety of reasons and found that the platforms provided space for both intimacy and community. However, results revealed that app structures and accompanying risks mirror and amplify the issues queer women face in the offline world. To protect against risks of deception, scams, and harassment, women scrutinized their online presentation and carefully signaled their queerness, thereby leading to exclusion, inauthentic self-presentation, and hesitation towards meeting matches in-person. Suggestions for future work are provided.
ISSN:2451-9588
2451-9588
DOI:10.1016/j.chbr.2022.100238