Popular Culture Review 30.2
persona that had elements of the real me ( to maintain believability ) but was not actually me ( to maintain some level of anonymity ). In order to test the dynamics of the app itself , including the specific limitations and opportunities in matching with potential partners , I conducted several mini-experiments . These mini-experiments , such as attempting to match with as many individuals as possible , goes beyond the realm of what I or the average serious user would do under normal circumstances while on Tinder .
I would not directly consider this experiment a social one , due to its personal nature and small scale ; however , I did set up my experiment primarily to test out a socially centered hypothesis : app-based dating offers an easily accessible and seemingly endless menu of potential mates , which in turn can create a superficial experience , as well as a breakdown of communication and mutual respect due to the connection being mediated via technology . This , of course , is not to say that app-based dating fails to produce real or meaningful connections , even if such connections fulfill a brief carnal desire or offer long-term companionship .
THE RESEARCH
In order to better grasp the nuances of the contemporary online dating landscape , my research comprised of gathering information from individuals willing to speak on and off the record , from my own experimentation , as well as from examining various source materials on the topic . I spent time reading a range of various materials from lifestyle and academic articles to viewing numerous videos ranging from the silly to the serious . I also spoke to dozens of individuals who were kind enough to share their dating stories , which presented as an odd combination of the horrifying and the hilarious , with some conversations occurring digitally and / or in-per-
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