We have just published a protocol outlining our mixed-method study exploring the dynamics of intimacy on dating apps before, during and after the crisis years of COVID-19 in the UK; how these influenced/were influenced by different gendered and sexual cultures of relating; and their impact on personal resilience, viral risk, and wellbeing. The project examines diverse gendered and sexual cultures, examining the experiences of heterosexuals and LGBT+ communities. Through a two-stage approach involving a UK-wide quantitative survey and in-depth qualitative interviews, the study explores how dating app practices influence resilience, viral risk, and intimate norms. The project aims to generate knowledge about how app-based services can be harnessed to support the social and emotional needs of diverse gendered and sexual groups during and after COVID-19 providing valuable insights into strategies for personal resilience in the face of viral risk and social during periods of social distancing.
The article is published in International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Read or download at Exploring Dating App Intimacies During COVID-19 in the UK: A Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study on the Impact of Dating Apps on Intimacy, Resilience, and Wellbeing, Jaime Garcia-Iglesias, Brian Heaphy and Neta Yodovich.