This thesis demonstrates a queer perspective stemming from a qualitative analysis of data gathered in interviews with LGBTQ+ people to analyze a transforming ethos of gayborhoods and queer desires. In particular, the research focuses on the interactive relationship between self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) participants; the cyberspace(s) of LGBTQ+ mobile-dating applications (apps); and tangible urban places. The topic of gayborhood demise and whether such places are worth saving has been debated by scholars and journalists for the last decade. The demise of gayborhoods is often thought to be a symptom of neoliberal urban processes such as gentrification within the context of the post-gay era and broader societal acceptance of homosexuality. This means the question of "if the gayborhood is worth saving" is inherently imbedded in an assumption that homosexuality is not viewed or treated as different or lesser than heterosexuality. In this imagined post-gay era, gayborhoods are declining because the dangers posed to the LGBTQ+ population are purported to no longer exist, so there is no longer a need for designated queer and/or safe places. This research destabilizes the assumptions embedded within the conception of the post-gay era by asking whether the gayborhood meets the needs and desires of contemporary queers. Alternatively, are LGBTQ+ mobile-dating apps part of gayborhood decline, and if so how? Therefore, the question of "if the gayborhood is worth saving" is not about assumed queer acceptance in greater society; rather, the question should be grounded in if the gayborhood fulfills the needs and desires of contemporary queers.

A questão do uso das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) pelos sujeitos-gays para a produção de novos processos de sociabilidade na contemporaneidade tem ocupado destaque nas abordagens realizadas em uma série de espaços discursivos, resultando em análises e trabalhos de inúmeras áreas e enfoques teóricos. No presente trabalho, objetivamos investigar de que modo os sujeitos-gays e os aplicativos de relacionamento voltados para eles são abordados nos discursos jornalísticos produzidos por espaços de imprensa disponibilizados on-line, contando como referencial analítico, metodológico e teórico a Análise do Discurso de filiação francesa (Pêcheux, 1997a, 1997b, 2010, 2014). Buscou-se analisar os discursos e sentidos produzidos sobre os sujeitos-gays que são usuários dos aplicativos de relacionamento apresentados em 37 textos jornalísticos, constituindo o corpus da pesquisa, publicados no período de 2010 a 2015 e provenientes de quatro espaços de notícias vinculados as grandes estruturas midiáticas do país (Folha de S. Paulo, O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal G1 e Portal IG). Selecionamos materiais que abordam os três principais aplicativos desse tipo utilizados no Brasil: o Grindr, o Hornet e o Scruff. O trabalho com os discursos jornalísticos permite observarmos que a abordagem na atualidade, sobre os sujeitos-gays e os espaços atrelados a eles, apresenta diferenças no modo como era realizada em um passado recente, em decorrência das alterações sócio-históricas do período. As relações dos sujeitos-gays com esses aplicativos são abordadas nos espaços jornalísticos e apresentadas aos sujeitos-leitores dos espaços de notícias, inscrevendo sentidos sobre o surgimento, modos de funcionamento e usos dessas tecnologias. Identificamos que os discursos jornalísticos sobre os sujeitos-gays na relação de uso com os aplicativos não estão restritos à abordagem das novas formas de sociabilidade, essa discussão é apresentada e destaca como as formas de encontro passam por alterações na sua realização, seja na procura por relacionamentos sérios, amizades ou sexo casual, mas outros pontos importantes são ressaltados, entre eles, a facilidade envolvendo a contaminação por Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST), a importância dos sujeitos-gays para a estrutura econômica atual e modificações no espaço urbano pelo uso dessas tecnologias. Os aplicativos de relacionamento interferem no modo como os sujeitos-gays encontram e estabelecem relações, o que está ligado às atuais condições de produção da contemporaneidade, produzindo novos sentidos sobre esses sujeitos e os espaços relacionados a eles. / The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by gay subjects to produce new sociability processes in contemporary times has been emphasized in the approaches carried out in a series of discursive spaces, resulting in analyses and works of numerous areas and theoretical perspectives. In this paper, based on the analytical, methodological and theoretical assumptions of French Discourse Analysis (Pêcheux, 1997a, 1997b, 2010, 2014), we aim to investigate how gay subjects and the dating applications aimed at them are addressed in the journalistic discourses produced by the press made available online. We sought to analyze discourses and meanings produced on gay subjects who make use of such applications, in a corpus composed of 37 journalistic texts, published in the period of 2010-2015 and issued by four spaces of news associated with the countrys large media groups (Folha de S. Paulo, O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal G1 e Portal IG). We have selected materials that cover the three main dating applications used in Brazil: Grindr, Hornet and Scruff. The work with journalistic discourses allows us to observe that the current approach on gay subjects and spaces related to them differs from the one carried out in a recent past. These changes are produced as a result of socio-historical transformations in contemporary times. The relationships of gay subjects with such applications are approached in journalistic spaces and presented to reader subjects of the news spaces, inscribing meanings about their appearance, modes of operation and uses. We have identified that journalistic discourses on gay subjects concerning the use of applications are not restricted to the approach on new forms of sociability. Such a discussion is presented and highlights how the forms of encounter go through changes, either in the search for serious relationships, friendships or casual sex. Also, other important aspects are made clear, e.g. the ease involving the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), the importance of gay subjects to the current economic structure, and modifications in the urban space through the use of such technologies. Dating applications interfere with the way gay subjects find and establish relationships, which is connected to the current conditions of production in the contemporary times, producing new meanings about such subjects and the spaces related to them.

A questão do uso das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) pelos sujeitos-gays para a produção de novos processos de sociabilidade na contemporaneidade tem ocupado destaque nas abordagens realizadas em uma série de espaços discursivos, resultando em análises e trabalhos de inúmeras áreas e enfoques teóricos. No presente trabalho, objetivamos investigar de que modo os sujeitos-gays e os aplicativos de relacionamento voltados para eles são abordados nos discursos jornalísticos produzidos por espaços de imprensa disponibilizados on-line, contando como referencial analítico, metodológico e teórico a Análise do Discurso de filiação francesa (Pêcheux, 1997a, 1997b, 2010, 2014). Buscou-se analisar os discursos e sentidos produzidos sobre os sujeitos-gays que são usuários dos aplicativos de relacionamento apresentados em 37 textos jornalísticos, constituindo o corpus da pesquisa, publicados no período de 2010 a 2015 e provenientes de quatro espaços de notícias vinculados as grandes estruturas midiáticas do país (Folha de S. Paulo, O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal G1 e Portal IG). Selecionamos materiais que abordam os três principais aplicativos desse tipo utilizados no Brasil: o Grindr, o Hornet e o Scruff. O trabalho com os discursos jornalísticos permite observarmos que a abordagem na atualidade, sobre os sujeitos-gays e os espaços atrelados a eles, apresenta diferenças no modo como era realizada em um passado recente, em decorrência das alterações sócio-históricas do período. As relações dos sujeitos-gays com esses aplicativos são abordadas nos espaços jornalísticos e apresentadas aos sujeitos-leitores dos espaços de notícias, inscrevendo sentidos sobre o surgimento, modos de funcionamento e usos dessas tecnologias. Identificamos que os discursos jornalísticos sobre os sujeitos-gays na relação de uso com os aplicativos não estão restritos à abordagem das novas formas de sociabilidade, essa discussão é apresentada e destaca como as formas de encontro passam por alterações na sua realização, seja na procura por relacionamentos sérios, amizades ou sexo casual, mas outros pontos importantes são ressaltados, entre eles, a facilidade envolvendo a contaminação por Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST), a importância dos sujeitos-gays para a estrutura econômica atual e modificações no espaço urbano pelo uso dessas tecnologias. Os aplicativos de relacionamento interferem no modo como os sujeitos-gays encontram e estabelecem relações, o que está ligado às atuais condições de produção da contemporaneidade, produzindo novos sentidos sobre esses sujeitos e os espaços relacionados a eles. / The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by gay subjects to produce new sociability processes in contemporary times has been emphasized in the approaches carried out in a series of discursive spaces, resulting in analyses and works of numerous areas and theoretical perspectives. In this paper, based on the analytical, methodological and theoretical assumptions of French Discourse Analysis (Pêcheux, 1997a, 1997b, 2010, 2014), we aim to investigate how gay subjects and the dating applications aimed at them are addressed in the journalistic discourses produced by the press made available online. We sought to analyze discourses and meanings produced on gay subjects who make use of such applications, in a corpus composed of 37 journalistic texts, published in the period of 2010-2015 and issued by four spaces of news associated with the countrys large media groups (Folha de S. Paulo, O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal G1 e Portal IG). We have selected materials that cover the three main dating applications used in Brazil: Grindr, Hornet and Scruff. The work with journalistic discourses allows us to observe that the current approach on gay subjects and spaces related to them differs from the one carried out in a recent past. These changes are produced as a result of socio-historical transformations in contemporary times. The relationships of gay subjects with such applications are approached in journalistic spaces and presented to reader subjects of the news spaces, inscribing meanings about their appearance, modes of operation and uses. We have identified that journalistic discourses on gay subjects concerning the use of applications are not restricted to the approach on new forms of sociability. Such a discussion is presented and highlights how the forms of encounter go through changes, either in the search for serious relationships, friendships or casual sex. Also, other important aspects are made clear, e.g. the ease involving the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), the importance of gay subjects to the current economic structure, and modifications in the urban space through the use of such technologies. Dating applications interfere with the way gay subjects find and establish relationships, which is connected to the current conditions of production in the contemporary times, producing new meanings about such subjects and the spaces related to them.

Online dating has transformed the way in which modern romance is perceived. As a consequence, creating trust on these digital platforms has become more important than ever before. One of the most popular ways to enhance users’ trust in digital settings is the process of verification, followed by obtaining a verification badge as a result. These icons have an established meaning that the user to which they belong has verified their identity. Yet, the influence that the design of verification badges on dating applications has on users’ trust remains unknown. In this thesis, the impact of badge design elements, specifically color and shape on users’ trust will be explored with the use of an online semi-structured survey. Participants are presented with three badge designs, differing in color and shape, prompting them to evaluate their perceived trustworthiness. By incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, the research enables a mix of a comprehensive analysis of answers to open-ended questions that allow for a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind made choices, and a thorough examination of the close-ended ones, which represent the perceptions statistically. Through descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative responses, this study aims to find patterns and correlations among the badges’ design attributes that enhance users’ trust. The results of this research strive to enhance comprehension of the influence that design elements have on user perceptions of trust within digital platforms, specifically within the domain of online dating applications. The results from this study show that both color and shape have an impact on trust between users and are heavily impacted by familiarity. This means that it is necessary to use them appropriately when designing dating application interfaces, to avoid confusion and increase the perceptions of trust. Findings also show that women tend to pay greater attention to the design of verification badges compared to men. The knowledge gained in this research may guide the enhancement of verification badge systems, promoting trust and assurance among online daters.

This thesis deals with the problematics of usage of dating applications between young people of the Czech republic and their views on partnerships. The introduction is dedicated to theoretical findings and basic terminology related with on-line dating. The first half of the theoretical part introduces the reader to different views on partnerships and their core pillars based on psychological theories. In connection with these attributes, the second part of the thesis concentrates on theories dealing with transformations in present relationships. Separate chapter is devoted to millennials - known as generation Y. Second part of the theoretical part brings the reader closer to understanding how meeting and getting acquainted with someone works in the cyber world. It analyses its evolution and existing research on the topic. At the same time it deals with communication and self-presentation of users on dating applications and dating websites. Last but not least the reader is acquainted with on-line dating applications Tinder and Grindr, whose users were my respondents. The practical part is dedicated to the research itself, whose main task was to determine the role the dating applications play in establishing relationships in a young persons life. User activity of respondents as well as their experience and attitude towards dating application was revealed using a semi-structured interview. At the same time the research shows the views and opinions of the respondents on partnership itself.

Dating online applications have fundamentally changed the form of online dating. They are available on a mobile phone and are based on spatial proximity of users and ease of use. This diploma thesis focuses on users of these applications. This thesis is based on the assumptions of the uses and gratifications theory, which assumes that the media audience is active and uses the media to satisfy its needs. The aim of this thesis is to find out how individuals use the dating applications and what their reasons for using are. To collect data, I chose a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach. First, an on-line questionnaire survey was conducted, followed by semi- structured interviews with applications users. Research has shown that the reason for using and the attitude of users varies with each individual and can change during use. Keywords dating applications, Tinder, online dating, uses and gratifications theory, active audience, mixed methods research

Mängden dejtingapplikationer för mobila enheter ökar stadigt och i Sverige dominerar Tinder som den mest populära mobila dejtingapplikationen. Matchningsprocessen på Tinder har dock fått motstå en del kritik då gränssnittet gör det väldigt enkelt att göra misstag. Syftet med det här examensarbetet är att undersöka matchningsprocessen på den mobila dejtingapplikation Tinder för att skapa ett nytt koncept med hjälp av metoden Konceptdriven designforskning. Med hjälp av Konceptdriven designforskning blir det nya konceptet utarbetat enligt en metodologisk guide där författaren jobbar med att granska kritik och teoretiskt förankra det mot en forskningsbakgrund för att hitta lösningar som förbättrar användbarheten. Arbetet leds av frågeställningen ”Hur kan matchningsprocessen på Tinder teoretiskt förankras och konceptualiseras i syfte att främja användarupplevelsen?” Författaren skapar en design för att visa det nya konceptet i sin helhet och testar det nya konceptet mot etablerade Tinderanvändare för att utvärdera användarupplevelsen. Resultatet visar att deltagarna ansåg att det nya konceptet är lättförståeligt, att det minskar antalet misstag vid matchningsprocessen och att det nya konceptet är mer användbart än Tinder. Det nya konceptet behåller stommen av Tinder men justerar applikationen utifrån kritik för att erbjuda en bättre användbarhet genom att luta alla ändringar mot en forskningsbakgrund med designprinciper och designriktlinjer för god användbarhet. I slutsatsen presenteras ett nytt koncept som är teoretiskt förankrat i tidigare forskning och som främjar användarupplevelsen genom att erbjuda ett gränssnitt som är mer användbart än det gränssnitt som Tinder idag erbjuder. / The amount of mobile dating applications are steadily rising and Tinder dominates as the most popular mobile dating application in Sweden. However, the matching process of Tinder has been criticized as the interface makes it very easy for the users to make mistakes. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the matching process of the mobile dating application Tinder and create a new concept using the method Concept-driven design research. With the help of Concept-driven design research the new concept is being developed according to a methodological guide where the author is working to review criticism and set it against a research background to find solutions that improve usability. The author creates a design to show the concept in its entirety and test the concept against established Tinder users to evaluate the user experience of the new concept. As a result, the participants felt that the new concept was easy to understand, that it reduced the number of mistakes during the matching process and that the new concept was more useful than Tinder. The new concept keeps the backbone of Tinder but adjusts the application based on criticism to provide a better usability by basing all the changes on a scientific background with design principles and design guidelines for good usability. The conclusion presents a new concept based on a research background that promotes the user experience by offering an interface that is more useable than the interface offered by Tinder today.

This diploma thesis focuses on the motivations of users to create an account within the location- based mobile dating applications. The work is processed by statistical analysis of already published studies dealing with the same or similar topics. The main target of this paper is to calculate the effect size of individual motives in relation to the sex of the respondents. The diploma thesis starts with description of the history of online dating, specific mobile applications included in my meta-analysis, user behavior in individual stages of using these applications (profile settings, selection of other profiles, communication and its development in time), followed by the methodological part where the meta-analysis itself is desribed, the process of its creation and its weak and strong aspects. In the following chapter the results of the meta-analysis and their interpretation are presented as well as self-reflection of this paper along the recommendations for future researches. Analysis helped to reveal the differences between the sexes and also helped to synthesize the acquired studies dealing with this topis. The most notable influence of gender can be seen in the motivation of casual sex, to a lesser extent in the motivation to seek love, friends, the use of the application because of the ease...