Digital Dating: Online Profile Content of Older and Younger Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Older adults are utilizing online dating websites in increasing numbers. Adults of different ages may share motivations for companionship and affection, but dating profiles may reveal differences in adults' goals. Theories addressing age-related changes in motivation suggest that younger adults are likely to emphasize themselves, achievements, attractiveness, and sexuality. Older adults are likely to present themselves positively and emphasize their existing relationships and health.

Method

We collected 4,000 dating profiles from two popular websites to examine age differences in self-presentations. We used stratified sampling to obtain a sample equally divided by gender, aged 18-95 years. We identified 12 themes in the profiles using Linguistic Inquiry and Word C

SUBMITTER: Davis EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6366550 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature