Would Adam Swipe on Eve?
Understanding Christians’ Mobile Dating App Usage
Mikayla Ickes • Messiah University Department of Communication
Introduction
Mobile dating app usage is on the rise. In fact, a Pew Research Center
study shows that 3 in 10 U.S. adults have used a dating app at some point
(Vogels, 2020). These apps are often stigmatized and generalized as being
solely for casual sex, however, the reality is that people have various
motivations behind their usage, helping to fulfill social needs rather than
just physical ones. When it comes to dating, religion, specifically
Christianity, is often a key predictor in various relational developments and
habits (Fuller et. al, 2015; Brimeyer & Smith, 2012). Perhaps one of the
most controversial considerations Christians face is the idea of casual,
premarital sex that is prevalent at colleges and is considered against the
teachings of the Bible. Relationships are pursued rather seriously at a
younger age with marriage as the ultimate motivation.
Given the idea that many dating apps have been given a negative
stigma of being solely for casual sex, one may assume that Christian values
with deter usage. However, considering that previous research identifies
numerous other motives, this demographic cannot be completely excluded
from evaluation. Furthermore, young adults are in a stage of life where
they desire romantic connection and long-term commitment, and,
considering this age group is a target demographic, they may turn to dating
apps to begin the dating process.
Research Question
How are young Christian adults engaging with mobile dating applications
and why?
Methodology
Participants: Individuals were required to fulfill the following:
• Between ages 18 – 25 (emerging adulthood)
• Affirmation of Christian faith
• Current college student
• Currently using the dating app Tinder or had used Tinder within college
career
Materials: A set of questions were asked to participants regarding their
experiences using Tinder and their perceptions on dating and marriage.
Procedures: A total of eight participants were recruited through snowball
sampling and were sent emails confirming their involvement. Two focus
group were held, and responses were coded to identify common themes.
Findings
Engagement
With Tinder
All participants downloaded Tinder and primarily used it within their first year of college. They reported using it primarily to seek romantic and friendly
relationships or to pass time. Those who no longer used the app deleted it due to unsatisfaction with matches or change in relationship status.
With People from Tinder
All participants except one met up with at least one of their matches once. The individual who didn’t claimed that it was too much effort. Often, participants
knew their date before matching with them through mutual friends or school. One participant reported dating their match from Tinder and once reported
being engaged to their match.
Factors Affecting Usage and Perception
Social Influence
• Family – many reported not feeling comfortable discussing Tinder and dating with their families. However, there is often pressure that is formed from
participant with married or engaged siblings or parents that married young.
• Friends – users are more willing to talk about their experiences with certain friends or friend groups but not others due to how the individual may be
perceived.
Environmental Influence
Participants reported using Tinder at home, on vacation, and at school depending on how much time they had, if they were trying to meet new people, and
who would potentially see their profile. They also identified that secular schools create a different dating climate than Christian schools.
Religious Influence
Each participant grew up with religious integration whether brought upon by their parents or their church. Lessons regarding dating primarily revolved around
premarital sex and qualities to look for in a partner. While participants were not opposed to casual dating non-Christians, they agreed commonalities in
religious is important for serious, long-term relationships.
Conclusion
This study sought to understand how young Christian adults are engaging
with mobile dating applications, namely Tinder, and why. Considering
previous research, the current study suggests these users experience the
application similarly to others who are not Christian. Where they differ is not
how they establish relationships, but how they further develop them.
Furthermore, there is a greater apparent divide in how messaging around
dating and marriage is structured within certain Christian contexts and how
that may impact young Christian adults as they pursue relationships.
References:
Brimeyer, T., & Smith, W. (2012). Religion, race, social class, and gender differences in dating and hooking up among college students.
Sociological Spectrum, 32(5), 462–473.
Fuller, J. N., Frost, A. M. H., & Burr, B. K. (2015). Exploring the impact of religiosity and socioeconomic factors on perceived ideal timing of
marriage in young adults. Journal of Student Research, 4(1), 120-129.
Vogels, E. A. (2020, February 6). 10 Facts About Americans and Online dating. Pew Research Center.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/06/10-facts-about-americans-and-online-dating/