Virtuality and Embodiedness Practices: How the Mix and Match of Corporeal and Virtual Rebuilds the Practice of Dating
(R2024-122619)

AUTHORS

Stefânia de Almeida, PUCRS; Rafael Mello, PUCRS; Manoela Radtke, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Marlon Dalmoro, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT

In exploring the dynamics of dating app consumption, this study (a) explores the mix and match of corporeal and virtual realities in the practice of dating and (b) identifies the tensions emerging from these practices. We depart from a theoretical perspective on the phenomenon of acceleration to empirically explore dating practices mediated by Tinder consumption. The results indicate a process of acceleration of virtual conversations resulting in a series of mismatchings and juxtapositions when being transferred to a bodily relationship. These tensions are heightened by anachronism and asynchronism in the virtual and corporeal practice of dating.