Representations of dating apps for Brazilian users

Antônio Carlos de Barros Júnior; Larissa Maria de Castro Alves; Andrea Siomara de Siqueira; Mario Amore Cecchini

doi:10.5020/23590777.rs.v23i4.e14042

Authors

Dr. Antônio de Barros Júnior Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4950-6868
Larissa Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9417-2986
Prof. Andrea Siqueira Municipal Faculty Professor Franco Montoro, Mogi Guaçu, São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-8030
Prof. Mario Cecchini Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5853-3422

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v23i4.e14042

Keywords:

dating apps, virtual relationships, Psychology

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate representations of dating apps for Brazilian users, and whether there were differences regarding sex, sexual orientation and age. It had quantitative and qualitative approaches. Instrument used for data collection was an online questionnaire. Spontaneous responses brought up representations linked to unspecified relationships, feelings of discomfort or suffering, and practicality. Most prevalent closed-question representations were practicality, getting initial information before meeting people and searching for a stable love relationship. Establishing a long-term relationship was more prevalent in women and heterosexuals in general; aiming for sex was more prevalent in men and homosexuals, and living veiled experiences that cannot be openly experienced in face-to-face life was more prevalent in homosexuals. There were little statistically significant differences related to age. Despite changes in contemporary love relationships, traditional social representations are still in place: linked to the search for an ideal partner (women) and for sex and a transgressive jouissance (men). Apps reflect search for practicality and utilitarianism of postmodern capitalism in large cities, but also fun and pastime.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Antônio de Barros Júnior, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Psychoanalyst, PhD and Master in Social Psychology from the University of Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil. Affiliated to the Brazilian Institute of Winnicottian Psychoanalysis (IBPW). Research here in question carried out within the Institute of Human Sciences, Paulista University (Unip), Brazil.

Areas of expertise: Psychoanalysis, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology.
Research areas: internet, virtual social networks; subjects, postmodernity; work, organizations, unemployment.

Larissa, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Specialization in Analytical Psychology (PUC-SP) (in progress). Graduated in Psychology from the Institute of Human Sciences, Paulista University, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Prof. Andrea Siqueira, Municipal Faculty Professor Franco Montoro, Mogi Guaçu, São Paulo, Brazil

Master in Social Psychology from the Institute of Psychology of the University of Sao Paulo (USP). Adjunct Professor at the Municipal Faculty Professor Franco Montoro, Mogi Guaçu, Brazil

Prof. Mario Cecchini, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Doctoral candidate in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Master in Sciences from the Department of Neurology of the Faculty of Medicine of Sao Paulo University (USP). Professor at Paulista University (Unip).

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