Love me Tinder: Untangling Emerging Adults’ Motivations for Using the Dating Application Tinder

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary related to the motivations of emerging adults using the Tinder dating app, as discussed in the lecture.

Tinder

A popular dating app for smartphones that allows users to connect using their social media profiles.

Emerging Adulthood

A developmental stage typically ranging from the late teens to the late twenties, characterized by exploration and self-discovery.

Uses and Gratification Theory

A theory that suggests people use media to fulfill specific needs and desires.

Casual Sex Motivation

The desire to use Tinder for physical or sexual encounters rather than for serious relationships.

Ease of Communication

The motivation related to feeling more comfortable communicating with potential partners through an app compared to face-to-face interactions.

Self-Worth Validation

The need to receive positive feedback about one’s appearance and self-esteem when using Tinder.

Thrill of Excitement

The enjoyment derived from the excitement and rush associated with using the Tinder app.

Trendiness

The motivation to use Tinder because it is perceived as new, modern, and popular among peers.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify underlying relationships between variables and to uncover motivations in the study.

Demographic Antecedents

Factors such as age and gender that influence the motivations for using Tinder.

Offline Encounters

Real-life meetings or interactions that occur as a result of matches made on the Tinder app.

Relationship Development

The process through which individuals establish and maintain romantic connections, potentially facilitated by dating apps.

Hookup Culture

A social phenomenon where casual sexual encounters are common, often discussed in the context of dating apps.

Exploratory Research

An initial investigation aimed at uncovering new insights when existing literature is lacking on a topic.

Online Surveys

A data collection method used in the study, where participants provide responses through a digital questionnaire.

Motivations

The specific reasons and incentives that drive emerging adults to use the Tinder app.

Gender Differences

Variations in motivations for using Tinder based on the user's gender, influencing how motivations like Casual Sex and Ease of Communication are perceived.

Usage Patterns

The frequency and way in which individuals engage with the Tinder app, influenced by their motivations.