'Thanks for Writing, But I'm Not Interested': A Qualitative Analysis of Men's Experiences of Online Dating

摘要

Research investigating the personal experiences of online daters is currently limited. Moreover, evidence implies that men are likely to experience online dating rather differently to their female counterparts and that this discrepancy warrants further investigation. Eight heterosexual adult males aged 18-60 were interviewed about their experiences of and attitudes to using online dating sites and apps. Data were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. A number of themes were identified from the data, including "necessary but effective online dating", reflecting the perceived utility of dating sites and their ability to enhance certainty and reduce rejection salience. "Negative impact on self was revealed through participants' experiences of online interactions, with participants demonstrating various protective strategies to maintain self-integrity. "Clouded judgements", insofar as the intentions of other daters were often more difficult to judge accurately, and "frustration", relating to negative experiences with online dating platforms and the gendered norms within them, were also noted. The last theme was one of "resiliency" which was demonstrated throughout descriptions of participant experiences. Findings provide a rich narrative of the lived experiences of male online daters and the strategies they employ to reap rewards as well as the barriers to success that they incur.