CREATING A SCREEN CHARACTER: UNDERSTANDING SELF-PRESENTATION ON DATING APPS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the practices of self-presentation on dating apps among young adults in Singapore. Constructing one’s desired impressions on dating apps involves several steps and strategies. But to what extent is the dating app user’s online construction truthful when compared against the person in reality? I argue dating app profiles represent the creation of a new identity whereby young adults in Singapore are focused on crafting a “screen character” through various means in order to achieve their desired objectives. These objectives can include finding a long-term partner, a short-term relationship or just a hook-up. The dating app profile takes on a life of its own, and becomes akin to a video game character since users are able to freely select and customise the type of photos and text they wish to use in constructing their profile. Hence, there is a sense of playfulness when it comes to the construction of dating app profiles. In other words, the dating app profile can be viewed as an online avatar to attract the attention of other dating app users. In the creation of this alternate identity, I learned that young adults in Singapore are influenced by profile trends and tailor their own profiles to fit these standards to the best of their ability without crossing the line into outright deception.