Do we match ? Negotiating gender expectations and identities through mobile dating applications in Singapore

• Main Authors: Tan, Si Ting Iris, Er, Kok Tong Marcus, Wee, Shi Min
• Other Authors: Sun Hsiao-Li Shirley
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Family, marriage and women
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/73375
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Despite the rising prominence of mobile dating applications (MDAs) among Singapore’s younger generation, empirical studies specific to Singapore context on the topic are lacking. This study aimed to identify the impacts of MDAs on the local dating scene, and analyse the motivations and strategies implemented by users when negotiating gender expectations and identities online. Young Singaporean MDA users (aged 21 to 29) were interviewed. The primary motivation of using MDAs is to search for potential partners, with secondary reasons such as for entertainment purposes and expansion of social network. The research uncovered the struggles between the pursuance of egalitarian ideals and adherence of traditional gender norms, shedding light on how MDAs reinforce the prevailing gender inequalities, as well as highlight the internalization of gender norms and roles.