Negotiating Gender and Sexual Norms: Queer Women and Non-Binary Individuals' Experiences and Semiotic Interpretations on Heteronormative Dating Applications
(2023) SIMZ21 20231Graduate School
- Abstract
- This thesis explores how queer women and non-binary individuals navigate gender norms and heteronormativity on dating apps. It also gives insights about how queer women and gender non-conforming users semiotically perceive and interpret gender and sexuality through online profiles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants, about their experiences on the mobile dating applications Tinder and Bumble.
This study reveals the existence of resistance to gender norms and heteronormativity within online dating spaces, as well as the reliance on assumptions to interpret profiles. Users adapt their self-presentation to specific platforms, asserting their agency in expressing their gender and sexual identity. Participants... (More) - This thesis explores how queer women and non-binary individuals navigate gender norms and heteronormativity on dating apps. It also gives insights about how queer women and gender non-conforming users semiotically perceive and interpret gender and sexuality through online profiles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants, about their experiences on the mobile dating applications Tinder and Bumble.
This study reveals the existence of resistance to gender norms and heteronormativity within online dating spaces, as well as the reliance on assumptions to interpret profiles. Users adapt their self-presentation to specific platforms, asserting their agency in expressing their gender and sexual identity. Participants develop strategies to negotiate and reshape gender norms, leveraging platform settings and features. Queer and non-binary individuals face several challenges due to binary structures and heteronormativity on dating apps. Despite this, these platforms facilitate recognition and a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community.
Findings show that participants rely on assumptions based on visual elements to interpret the gender identity and sexuality of another user and that cultural and gender norms influence this interpretation. However, the interpretation of cues and symbols can reinforce harmful biases and assumptions. The study highlights the need for inclusive online environments that challenge stereotypes and biases. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- This research looks at how individuals who do not fit into what society says men and women should be, and who like people of the same gender, use dating applications on their phones. The study is based on questions asked to 15 people about their experiences using the dating applications Tinder and Bumble.
The study finds that some of these people do not want to follow the usual rules for men and women. They want to be themselves and portray their true selves on their online profiles. However, in order to choose with whom to interact on Tinder and Bumble, they have to look for cues to guess the gender and the sexual orientation of other users. Yet, some of these guesses are not based on true facts and can be hurtful to some individuals,... (More) - This research looks at how individuals who do not fit into what society says men and women should be, and who like people of the same gender, use dating applications on their phones. The study is based on questions asked to 15 people about their experiences using the dating applications Tinder and Bumble.
The study finds that some of these people do not want to follow the usual rules for men and women. They want to be themselves and portray their true selves on their online profiles. However, in order to choose with whom to interact on Tinder and Bumble, they have to look for cues to guess the gender and the sexual orientation of other users. Yet, some of these guesses are not based on true facts and can be hurtful to some individuals, potentially making them feel disrespected and unwelcome.
Users also have to find ways to deal with the problems that come with the usual ideas about gender and liking only the opposite gender, in the context of online dating. The study finds that, despite all the challenges, these applications help these people find others who understand and accept them. They can be recognized and feel like they belong within a group of people who have similar experiences. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9120924
- author
- Lanoir, Eloise Rose Félicie LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- SIMZ21 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Dating Applications, Queerness, Heteronormativity, Gender Norms, Semiotic Interpretation.
- language
- English
- id
- 9120924
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-21 14:57:21
- date last changed
- 2023-06-21 14:57:21
@misc{9120924,
abstract = {{This thesis explores how queer women and non-binary individuals navigate gender norms and heteronormativity on dating apps. It also gives insights about how queer women and gender non-conforming users semiotically perceive and interpret gender and sexuality through online profiles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants, about their experiences on the mobile dating applications Tinder and Bumble.
This study reveals the existence of resistance to gender norms and heteronormativity within online dating spaces, as well as the reliance on assumptions to interpret profiles. Users adapt their self-presentation to specific platforms, asserting their agency in expressing their gender and sexual identity. Participants develop strategies to negotiate and reshape gender norms, leveraging platform settings and features. Queer and non-binary individuals face several challenges due to binary structures and heteronormativity on dating apps. Despite this, these platforms facilitate recognition and a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community.
Findings show that participants rely on assumptions based on visual elements to interpret the gender identity and sexuality of another user and that cultural and gender norms influence this interpretation. However, the interpretation of cues and symbols can reinforce harmful biases and assumptions. The study highlights the need for inclusive online environments that challenge stereotypes and biases.}},
author = {{Lanoir, Eloise Rose Félicie}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Negotiating Gender and Sexual Norms: Queer Women and Non-Binary Individuals' Experiences and Semiotic Interpretations on Heteronormative Dating Applications}},
year = {{2023}},
}