”ÄR INTE DET HÄR PEAK GIRLHOOD?”. Dejtingappens betydelse för unga kvinnors identitet och sociala samhörighet

Sammanfattning

This anthropological study examines the social significance of dating apps in the lives of youngadult women. The aim is to generate a deeper understanding of young women’s experiences ofonline dating practices and the norms, values and social expectations that are associated withthem. The study explores the percieved purpose of dating apps, the role they play in socialrelationships and how they are used to create identity and a sense of community. The studywas conducted through ethnographic fieldwork consisting of participant observation, semi-structured individual and group interviews as well as shadowing. Results show that dating appshold significant social importance in young adult female friendships, both as a common interestand as a bonding ritual. Young women often doubt their own ability to secure a sociallybeneficial match, and therefore rely heavily on the support of their friends to help guide theirdecision making. It also found that for young women, the use of dating apps revolve less aroundfinding a romantic partner and more about connecting with their peers and creating a sense ofcommunity. To explain this, the data is analyzed through the concept of girlhood, gender as aperformative practice and kinship in the form of relatedness. The thesis is written in Swedish.