Swiping, stealthing and catfishing: dating and hookup apps in the media

Popular media reporting of health and wellbeing issues can shape public opinion. Media narratives also influence research, policy and practice in relation to health services, health education and health promotion. Consequently, the Safety, Risk and Wellbeing on Dating Apps project team undertook an analysis of media reports relating to dating and hookup apps, in order to better understand the ways apps and app use are currently debated and discussed in public spaces. The use of apps such as Tinder and Grindr have drawn significant popular media attention. News reportage often focuses on the negative aspects of apps, often associating them with sexual abuse, rape, extortion, harassment, sexually transmissible infections (STIs), and poor mental health. In contrast, emerging ‘social news’ platforms and entertainment-focused news genres adopt a less risk-focused approach. This report adopts an analytical approach grounded in the disciplines of media and communication and cultural studies. It maps key themes, but does not seek to confirm nor challenge the factual accuracy of news media claims about dating and hookup apps.