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Beyond the Swipe: Investigating the Interplay of Technology, Media, and Human Behavior in Digital Romance

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Abstract

In an era characterized by the relentless march of digital innovation, the dynamics of human interaction and the pursuit of romantic connections have undergone a radical transformation. The advent of online dating applications has disrupted the traditional landscape of modern romance, ushering in a new era where individuals connect, engage, and foster relationships in a digital realm. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of online dating success, aiming to provide valuable insights into what distinguishes a successful digital romance from one that falls short of expectations. Drawing on extensive research, we examine the intricate relationship between media cognition, motivation, and online love. Findings reveal that individuals with higher levels of media cognition engage more proactively with online love platforms, seeking, initiating, and nurturing connections in the digital realm. Moreover, we explore the influence of motivation, uncovering diverse motivations such as social interaction and emotional connection, which significantly impact attitudes and behaviors within online dating environments. This study has important theoretical and practical implications. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the contemporary landscape of online love and dating apps, emphasizing the need to adapt to evolving dynamics in this digital realm. Additionally, it offers insights that can inform the design and enhancement of dating apps, resulting in more personalized and satisfying user experiences. Policymakers can also benefit from this research by recognizing the societal significance of dating apps and their impact on relationships, leading to targeted interventions and support systems. Beyond romance, findings resonate with broader discussions on media literacy, motivation, and knowledge dynamics in the digital age, highlighting their relevance across various domains.

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Data Availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Author notes

  1. Ning Li and Bin Wang contributed equally to this work, and they are both first authors.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Kangwon National University, Gangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea

    Ning Li

  2. Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, 519000, China

    Bin Wang

  3. Qingdao Film Academy, Qingdao, 266520, China

    Yanglin Li

  4. City University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China

    Yanglin Li

  5. Faculty of Drama and Film, Sichuan College of Culture and Arts, Mianyang, 622150, China

    Hao Pang

  6. Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510520, China

    Xingzhi Han

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  1. Ning Li
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  3. Yanglin Li
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Correspondence to Yanglin Li.

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Li, N., Wang, B., Li, Y. et al. Beyond the Swipe: Investigating the Interplay of Technology, Media, and Human Behavior in Digital Romance. J Knowl Econ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-01802-6

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