Matchmaking Information : Types of Personal Digital Information in a Context of Gay Men Online Dating

Abstract

Using online dating applications is a unique context that manifestly creates, stores, and utilizes personal digital information. Online dating applications are popular among gay men to increase an opportunity to meet each other whereas face-to-face meetings may post certain limitations. This study investigates types of personal digital information in the context of the use of online dating application among gay men. Fifteen gay men residing in Bangkok metropolitan area provided data via personal diaries and semi-structured interviewing. As a result, types of personal digital information created and used by gay men in online dating situation include textual objects, still images, and moving images. Textual objects consist of profile descriptions, instant messages, and contact information. Still images in this context cover self-portraits, sexually explicit images, screenshots and emoticons & stickers. Video call is the only type of moving image found in this study. These types of information to some extents relate to objectives and strategies in managing personal digital information.