Tinder Tales: Exploring the Normalisation of Online Sexual Harassment in Modern Dating

• In Event: Technology-facilitated Sexual Violence against Women and Children

Abstract

While Tinder is known for facilitating romantic connections and hook-ups, it also has a concerning prevalence of sexual harassment. Even more vexing is the careless shrug culture accompanying it. Research has since long confirmed the link between (normalizing) physical sexual violence and endorsing a traditional heterosexual script. This study enlightens users' discourses, experiences and attitudes upon facing online harassment on Tinder using sexual script theory. Findings indicate that users encounter twice as much textual harassment compared to non-users, with women being disproportionately targeted. Surprisingly, users often minimize the negative impact of these messages and attribute partial responsibility to recipients. Their scripts reveal a hybrid discourse with a predominance of traditional norms. Despite the perceived sexual freedom Tinder should grant, the sexual double standard seems to remain persistent. However, Tinder users agreed that non-consensual explicit images are harassing and are rather an occurrence from the past. It seems that raising awareness bears fruit in the end.

Author

• Laura Byn, Ghent University