THE NARRATIVE OF ONLINE DATING APPS IN RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT DURING COVID 2020

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the behavioral changes of online dating apps users, particularly how they adjusted to the impediments of physical separation by expanding their dependence on advanced implies for meeting unused individuals and keeping up connections. This study is a qualitative research that employs narrative approach. The data analysis technique using Todorov’s narrative method. The data are collected through observations and interviews, involving four informants who are students of Diponegoro University who actively using online dating apps during COVID 2020. The result of this study shows that: (1) the four informants are skeptical of online dating apps before using it, but then they use it out of curiosity, boredom, or peer pressure; (2) the first impression of the four informants are they like swiping features, but struggle in creating a profile; (3) two informants move from casual to commitment once family and friends are involved, while the other two informants’ triggers are high compatibility and chemistry; (4) two informants prefer a direct and straightforward communication, while the other two informants prefer an open and honest communication; and (5) the four informants are able to build meaningful connection mainly from in-person meetings.