Girl meets boy: Analysis of digital communication to find a heterosexual partner on Tinder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24197/redd.7.2024.21-45Keywords:
tinder, digital communication, profile, match, spelling, emojisAbstract
This article investigates the linguistic aspects involved in the use of the digital dating app Tinder. In particular, it studies (1) how user profiles are crafted and which ones are most successful, (2) the importance of spelling norms when selecting (or not) a profile, and (3) the most appropriate (or inappropriate) ways to start a conversation once a match is made. A quantitative method was used through a digitally distributed questionnaire. A total of 268 responses from heterosexual users were obtained. The responses included both closed and open-ended questions. Excel and Sketch Engine were used to analyze the data. Among the main conclusions, it can be highlighted that (1) profiles seek brevity and originality, along with some detail to spark a conversation; (2) sexist comments or lists of requirements lead to profile rejection; (3) spelling mistakes can result in rejection, even if the profile photo is appealing —especially among women; (4) the most valued adjectives in male profiles are friendly, sincere, respectful, spontaneous, adventurous, extroverted, and humble; (5) the most valued adjectives in female profiles are friendly, spontaneous, outgoing, sincere, and adventurous; (6) when starting a conversation, there is a general preference for a greeting and a question for both genders, over more direct comments or approaches; (7) sexual emojis or affectionate nicknames (like cutie, gorgeous, baby…) provoke a high degree of discomfort; (8) users criticize long silences or abandoned turns of speech.
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