Framing and the lure of dating among Lebanese adults

Abstract

Online dating services replaced traditional matchmaking tools. The internet gave individuals the opportunity to be their own matchmakers and experience new online identities leaving room for different methods in the presentation of self. There are many studies done on the topic of online dating services however, none of them has discussed it in terms of identity, framing and its role in Lebanon. Using the uses and gratification and the framing theories this thesis examined how Lebanese adults frame themselves on online dating websites and applications and the gratifications they get from their use; it also investigated the influence of the internet as a matchmaking tool. Results showed that online dating websites and application are used as a way to achieve self – satisfaction and the feeling of being attractive. This study proved that physical attractiveness and photos are the strongest factor in online dating profile.