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Final Thesis Lim.pdf (315.19 KB)

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Exploring Dating Apps: Catfishing or Kittenfishing?

Lim, Alex
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron164977706240253

Abstract Details

, Master of Arts, University of Akron, Communication.
In this study, a relatively new concept was explored on dating apps: Kittenfishing. The possibility of embellishment and/or deception of ones’ profile during online dating is prominent for dating app users and may have become a recognizable norm. The previous literature captures this occurrence and provides evidence for profile deception, however, has not included the strategic thinking and concept of minor catfishing, otherwise referred to as ‘kittenfishing’ dating apps users partake and experience in a qualitative light. Data were collected through one-on-one conversations, consisting of six individual, semi-structured interviews with dating app users mainly on the creation of their own profiles and their experience with other users’ kittenfishing or catfishing elements. The research found three total themes, Encapsulating Real Life, Levels to Misrepresentation on Dating Apps and Kittenfishing Is Real, and a Problem, respectively. The first theme distinguishes one out of six participants admitted to kittenfishing, or embellishing on their profile, whereas the others described their thought process during profile creation as authentic. The next theme describes that although the term kittenfishing was new to all the participants, once the definition was acknowledged, each one related through their own experiences during interactions with other users. And finally, the participants detailed their ideas on acceptability of embellishing, lying and deceiving on dating app profiles contributing to the last theme. These findings will be discussed further in this research considering self-presentation.
Rhiannon Kallis (Advisor)
Kathleen Clark (Committee Member)
Amber Ferris (Committee Chair)
50 p.
Communication
Dating apps; qualitative research; interviews; catfishing; kittenfishing; self-presentation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lim, A. (2022). Exploring Dating Apps: Catfishing or Kittenfishing? [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron164977706240253

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lim, Alex. Exploring Dating Apps: Catfishing or Kittenfishing? 2022. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron164977706240253.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lim, Alex. "Exploring Dating Apps: Catfishing or Kittenfishing?" Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron164977706240253

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron164977706240253
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.
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