Grindr, eBay for gay young adults?
A qualitative study into the features of Grindr and satisfaction of gay emerging adults’ motives By Rafel Mahmoud Rafel Mahmoud 10096000 Master Thesis
Graduate School of Communication Master Communication Science Track: Youth and Media
Thesis supervisor: Rinaldo Kühne 21/11/2014
Abstract
The present study investigates how the specific-related features of Grindr satisfy the motives gay emerging adults. Existing literature has shown that emerging adults use social network application (SNS) like Grindr to satisfy various motives. Existing literature has also shown that the two most important motives are identity formation and establishment of social connections. However, till upon this day no research has been done to specifically investigate how the features of the SNS Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults. The answer to this question was obtained from six focus groups held in the Netherlands. Results show that the three most important features that satisfy the various motives of emerging adults, are the chat feature, the photo feature, and the GPS-feature. Moreover, results have also shown new motives for using specific features.
Introduction
Everywhere. I see it everywhere. I see it in the stores when I am doing my groceries. I see it in the club when I am out dancing. I see it at home with my housemate. I see it, a yellow background, and a centred black mask. What is it?
With its 4 million users (2012) and 1,1 million active users everyday, Grindr has established itself as the leader of all social network application targeting gay men amongst other pioneers such as Scruff and Jack’d (http://www.Grindr.com/). In 2009, Nearby Buddy Finder launched Grindr and is now one of the fastest growing social network applications. Grindr is a GPS-enabled social networking site that provides gay men a platform in which they can contact each other according to their proximity (Gundelunas, 2012). Grindr is a free application that can solely be downloaded on mobile phones. However, users can pay a fixed fee to use extra premium features. Once installed, users can create a profile that consists of a profile picture and personal information (e.g., age, hobbies, daily activities, sex preferences, etc.) To use the application, user can have conversation with other men based on location and proximity. In a conversation users can exchange textual and graphic content.
Grindr is categorized as a social networking site (SNS). Over the years, SNS’s have been growing and improving to serve their purpose: satisfying the motives of the user (Gudelunas, 2012). User can have a variety of motives; think about meeting other people, connecting with communities, and expanding knowledge on issue of interest (Boyd & Ellison, 2008). In 2012 Grindr conducted a survey in which the results have emphasized the relevance of a SNS such as Grindr. Results show that 58% of the users is aged between 18 and 30. Of that percentage 56% has made 1 to 5 new social contacts (also for sexual purposes). And 60% of the users enjoy having conversations
with strangers and 56% want to see who also has the similar sexual preferences in their proximity. These numbers show how relevant a social networking app like Grindr has become for gay men to connect with others and gain new experiences. More specifically, these numbers show how important Grindr is for gay young adults.
Existing literature has provided the world with much research on the motives of gay emerging adults to use Grindr and other SNS’s targeting gay men. However, the present study takes a second step by investigating how the specific features of Grindr satisfy these motives. The necessity of exploring this link lies within the fact that the number of gay emerging adults using Grindr is increasing as each day passes (Landovitz et al., 2012). And with every visit they become more aware and more critical to how the app operates and whether the features satisfy these motives. How well a specific feature operates determines the way an individual uses Grindr and the value he attaches to it (Neale & Russell-Bennett, 2009). If the elements of a feature suit the motives of the user, he will keep on using the application, if not, then the application is deleted from the phone and a new, more suitable application is installed. This knowledge does not only provide insights on the user’s value of specific
features, but it can also be implemented in the various aspects of society.
Scholar gain a better understanding on how gay emerging adult behave socially on the Internet, marketers can create new and better features for the applications, and schools can develop educational programs on the risks of SNS. But most of all, gay emerging adults specifically understand how they use SNS and when and if they are influenced.
The present study focuses how the features of Grindr meet the motives of gay emerging adults by reflecting on existing literature and using focus group and guided by the following research question: ‘’How do the specific features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults?’’
Theoretical framework
The present study investigates how the features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emergin adults. Before providing answers to this research question, it is important to elaborate on the characteristics of emerging adults in general and their motives to use social network applications. Then, the characteristics of gay emerging adults and their motives to use social network applications that are targeting gay men, such as Grindr, can be discussed.
Emerging adulthood
According to Arnett (2004) the period of emerging adulthood from the age of 18 to 25 and is characterized by exploration and instability. It is a self-focused age in which many opportunities and possibilities are up for grabs. Emerging adults are old enough to want to make their own decisions, but often too young to estimate possible negative consequences of their impulsive behaviour (partly due to biological factors). Arnett also argues that during this period two important developmental struggles are faced, namely identity formation and development of intimacy/relationships through social connections.
Identity exploration is the process in which an individual explores all aspects that form one’s identity or personality in order to find a unique place in the world they live in with self-gained independence (Padilla-Walker & Nelson, 2012). Identity development occurs in many domains such as moral judgments, norms and values, ideologies and believes, taste and preferences, and attitude and behaviour (Steinberg & Morris, 2001). The exploration of identity is important, as it prepares the emerging adult for all choices and responsibilities that come along with adulthood, and in a journey in which emerging adults explore relevant developmental areas such as love,
work, and adulthood (Arnett, 2007). Although identity exploration sets off in the period of adolescence (12-17 years old), it reaches its peak during emerging adulthood, meaning that many aspects of the personality find their definitive form. During this period, personality exploration is driven by curiosity, information seeking, and attachment to one’s environment (Arnett, 2000).
Development of relationships/establishing social connections (e.g., with a lover or friend) serves various reasons for emerging adults (Arnett, 2007). Firstly, in these relationships, emerging adults can communicate with each other and learn more about themselves. This means that they get a better understanding of how they
perceive themselves and how the outside world perceives them. They learn that they way they perceive themselves, whether regarding their personality or physical appearance, does not necessarily have to match they way others perceive them. For example, when an individual find him/herself as unattractive looking they learn, through their social connections with others, that others do not necessarily perceive them as unattractive looking. They can adapt this new information to existing cognitive schemes. In this way, one can reason that the establishment of social connections can contribute to identity exploration/formation. Secondly, through the establishment of social connections, in particular: sexual relationships. emerging adults can explore their sexualities. They can have intimate contact with other and find out what they are comfortable with on sexual level and define their (sexual) boundaries. Thirdly, through establishment of social connections, emerging adults can experience the sense of belongingness to a certain community. A community consists of individuals that share similarities (e.g., ethnicity, interests, sexuality). These individuals want to share these similarities with each other within this community because they cannot share these with other outside of the community. How does that
work? When sharing these similarities, they can simultaneously also share their struggles or insecurities and find support within these communities. This support, in its turn, also helps them to explore/form their identities, whether it is in reality or in cyber space.
After discussing these developmental stages, it is interesting to investigate how social network applications, in general, provide the tools and support to explore/form identity and establish social connections.
Emerging adults and social network application
A social networking site/application (SNS) is defined as a virtual service that allows its user to create an online profile (public or private), communicate with other (unfamiliar) individuals who use that service, and exchange their connections with each other (Boyd & Ellison, 2008). SNSs can differ from one another in: the layout of their interfaces; the service they provide, and the (niche) group they target. However, most of the SNSs share the similar backbone when it comes to their technical features. This backbone consists of a registration page, an online profile (user name, age, and other personal information depending on the type of SNS), a list of social contacts (who also use the same service), and a platform that enables the exchange of information and content between the users.
It was discussed before that the two most important developmental stages that emerging adults go through are identity formation and establishment of social
connections. It appears that when emerging adults cope with these developmental stages they use SNS as a tool for information and support. Arnett (2001), Anderson (2001), Cote (2006) and LaRose, Eastin and Gregg (2001) all show in their research that the two most important motives for emerging adults to use the Internet,
establishment. Both these construct have one thing in common, namely they are based on the uses and gratifications approach. According to Rubin and Rubin (1985) the uses and gratification approach is ought ‘’to explain the role of mass media for individuals and society from the perspective of the consumer.’’ In other words, this approach states that where most theories explain the effects of media on people, the uses and gratifications approach explains how people use the media to satisfy their motives and how they are motivated to use media (Katz, 1959). Whether it is for the development of identity or building up relationships, the approach of uses and gratifications explains that users actively use the media to satisfy their motives.
Anderson (2001) adds that college students use the Internet and social network applications because they want to establish identity formation and new relationships. Cote (2006) explains that emerging adults’ search for identities to form views and opinion about their career, religion, and ethnicity is supported by the use of Internet and social network applications. This also applies for establishment of intimacy and relationships through connections with family, friends, and romantic partners. LaRose, Eastin and Gregg (2001) elaborate on the link between technology use and establishment of identity and romantic relationships by suggesting that the Internet provides emerging adults the space to gain social support from other peers and engage in romantic relationships.
Gay emerging adults and social network applications
After zooming in on the motives of emerging adults to use social network applications, one could perhaps wonder whether these two main motives also apply for gay emerging adults. Gay individuals experience a different developmental path in their emerging adulthood than heterosexual individuals, because this path is
homophobia (Grov, Simbi, Nanin, & Parsons, 2006 and Harper, Bruce, Serrano, & Jamil, 2009). The process of coming out can be difficult and stressing. Emerging adults are often insecure and scared because of what others might think of them (Eliason, 1996). Some fear rejection from family and friends due to their race or religion. Therefore gay emerging adults tune out from their offline world and login on their social network applications to look for support with discovering their identities and establishing new (romantic) relationships (Subrahmanyam, Reich, Waechter & Espinoza, 2008). There are two factors that make a gay-oriented SNS more appealing than a non gay-oriented SNS for gay emerging adults. First, a gay-oriented SNS provides a safe environment (Dodge, 2014). Gay emerging adults can talk with other one another and explore their identities. They can ask other users questions regarding homosexuality and the homo culture. And this all can happen without risking
exposure of true identity (staying anonymous) or experiencing
harassment/discrimination from anti-gay persons. Second, a gay-oriented SNS
provides a pool of other gay men who share the same sexual preferences/interests. On these SNS, gay emerging adults can articulate their sexual preferences and needs with other users and even satisfy these through the usage of SNS in an anonymous fashion. Grindr and its functions
An example of a gay-oriented social network application is Grindr targeting gay and bisexual men. Grindr has a set of various media functions that each satisfies a certain user’s motive. Because although it is important to investigate the motives of gay emerging adults for using Grindr and how they use these functions of Grindr. It is perhaps equally important to understand how the functions of Grindr are designed in such way that they can satisfy these motives. Grindr has a function in which the user can indicate all personal information.
Another function of Grindr is the photo function. The photo function of Grindr allows the users to upload a profile picture that any other user can see when they user is active on Grindr. This could be a photo of anything, thus also a picture of the user himself (also a form of expressing the identity). However, the photo function also allows users to exchange photos with one another. The photo function does not only increase the interactivity and favorability levels of the application.
Talking about discovering the unknown, the GPS-function also contributes to that. The GPS-function provides an overview of other active Grindr users in the neighborhood. This function ranks the user to vicinity. Being able to locate other men gives an impression of where and how homosexuality is distributed in the direct neighborhood.
The chat feature of Grindr is the most important feature as this is the tool that is used to exchange information through. User can have a conversation and send each other pictures wherever they want, whenever they want. They can talk about things that contribute to exploring their own identities, but also about random daily thing.
The above section discusses what functions Grindr consists of, but there is no research yet that links the motives with the functions. This link is relevant, as these users use the functions for identity exploration (self-categorization) and establishment of social connections (Neale & Russell-Benett, 2009), but no information is provided how these functions are designed in such fashion that they are able to satisfy the needs. There is still very little known about this link, hence the present study. Before diving into how these functions satisfy these motives, it is first important to elaborate on the motives for using Grindr.
Over the past years various studies have investigated the motives of gay emerging adults for using the social network application Grindr to satisfy their motives and have found various insights (Gundelunas, 2012; Baams, Jonas, Utz, Bos & Van der Vuurst, 2011; Bolding, Davis, Sherr, Hart & Elford, 2004). However, these studies have also shown that gay emerging adult use Grindr to explore/form identity and establish social connections.
A study by Baams, Jonas, Utz, Bos, and van der Vuurst (2011) showed the relation between the usage of Grindr and identity exploration and establishment of social connections. They investigated the motives of homosexual individuals for using Grindr in different age groups. They conducted an online survey among 327
participants (146 male, 181 female) divided into two age groups. The older group varied from the age of 25 to 59 and the younger group varied from the age of 16 to 24. In the online survey, items regarding participant’s Internet use (frequently visited websites) and motives to start using Internet were administered. Results of the study show that the younger users design an online profile on online social networking (dating) channels for four reasons. Firstly, they use social network application to be informed and updated about the ins and outs of the community they are in. Secondly, these users go on social networking sites to find social support in the discovery of their identities. Whenever feeling isolated and misunderstood, younger users can reach out to each other and provide each other with tools for coping with the coming out process. Thirdly, for emerging adults it is safer to share information about their sexualities with others, due to the fact that there is a sense of heterogeneity between the users and risks of exposure are marginal on these websites. Fourthly, these online social networking sites are easy to access and more affordable to youngsters, which makes it more appealing to use them.
Grindr and identity formation
The social network application Grindr has the potential to support identity exploration in many different ways. Media does not only influence the process of identity formation (e.g., copying behaviour displayed through media), but media can also be used to learn about identity and behaviours (e.g., what personality traits can be displayed? And are these media appropriate/inappropriate?) (Baym, 2000). Moreover, due to the entry of the Internet the gay culture, gay presentation, and gay support networks (e.g., social network applications) are more visible and making it more easy to come out at earlier ages (Gross, 2007). However, it is still difficult to come out and express an identity that is not necessarily accepted by family, friends and other actors from the social network. Nevertheless, Willynk (2013) suggest in his exploratory research that Grindr is an efficient tool to support identity formation of gay men. For his study, Willynk used an online survey complemented with semi-structured
interview. In total 78 self-identified gay men (18 years and older) who use Grindr participated in the study. The items of the study investigated three main topics, namely ‘’how do gay men use Grindr?’’ ‘‘What type of interaction do gay men have on Grindr?’’ and ‘’Do they also go to local bars?’’ Results of the study show that participants predominately use Grindr to meet other men. This is not so much because of the fact they want to establish social connections or have sex dates, but they want to discover their gay identity. This means that participants go talk to other gay mean to learn it is like to be gay and how others perceive homosexuality. Moreover, using Grindr also gave the participants the courage to take the step towards real-life gay-oriented settings, such as gay bars. Finally, Grindr also supported the gay identity of the participants in the sense that when they were still in the closet, they could use Grindr to find out what their homosexuality is all about. They discovered a new and
scary territory that at some point became more familiar to them that also enabled them to feel more comfortable with their homosexuality.
Moreover, a study by Birnholtz, Fitzpatrick, Handel, and Brubaker (2014) show that Grindr also supports identity formation in the sense that users can use information for self-presentation. For their data collection, Birnholtz and his colleagues have designed a location-aware social application targeting gay men. Participants could log into this application and use it the same way they use Grindr. Through this way, the researches could investigate how the participants managed their identities and how they used this app for self-presentation. Results of the study show that participants mainly used the application to share information that is about their identity. This includes information about ethnicity, relational and sexual preferences, and relationship goals. Participants also used their neighbourhood or location as an element for self-presentation. The idea behind this is that certain neighbourhoods are associated with social, economical, and educational levels. This information for self-presentation is important as it serves the notion that users are not merely ought to seek sexual relations, but also ought to express their identity and find others with similar personalities they can talk to.
It has become clear that Grindr supports identity formation in the sense that gay emerging adults can explore and express their identities through such social network applications. Gay emerging adults are able to talk to peers that can give them the courage to also express their homosexual identity in public (Willynk, 2013). Gay emerging adults also use Grindr to express their identities regarding ethnicity, socio-economic status, and educational levels (Birnholtz, Fitzpatrick, Handel, and Brubaker, 2014). This shows that they are more than just boys who seek for boys through the Internet.
Grindr and establishment of social connections
With regards to establishment of social connections, studies have shown that the usage of same sex attraction social network applications, such as Grindr, support homosexual individuals to expand their social network in platonic, romantic or sexual sense (Elford, Bolding & Sherr, 2001). This expansion of this network is also known as building up social capital. Social capital is the good individuals acquire through the communication process with others (Lin, 2001). More specifically, the moment that individuals start talking to each other, they start to build upon their social capital. The more connections individuals make with others the more capital they build. Social capital can also be increased when individuals meet up in real life for platonic, sexual purposes (sexual capital) or relationship purposes. The value of social capital for emerging adults lies within expanding the social network and staying connected to others in order to increase self-esteem (e.g., receiving positive feedback about physical appearance) and reduce negative emotions such as sadness and isolation (Ellison, Steinfeld & Lampe, 2007). But how can social capital and sexual capital be increased through in social networking sites such as Grindr?
To illustrate this, in his exploratory study of uses and gratifications of social network applications used by gay men, Gudelunas (2012) have found new answers to the question how networking application, such as Grindr, can help with identity building. For his study, Gudelunas (2012) organised 6 focus groups consisting of 76 gay men that that had to answer questions regarding their associations with Grindr, motives for using Grindr, and the functions of Grindr they find important. Results of the study revealed six motives/categories. The first motive is socializing. This measnt hat gay emerging adults use Grindr to talk to strangers and try to make new friends (building upon social capital). The second motive is sex. This means that gay
emerging adults use Grindr to hook up with other gay men (building upon sexual capital). The third motive is entertainment (laughing at ridiculous profiles). The fourth motive is romantic partnership. Gay emerging adults used Grindr to find someone special for a relationship (social capital). The fifth motive is social inclusion (ego boost, receive compliments from other people). The sixth and last motive is community. Gay emerging adults use Grindr to be a part of the gay community consisting of other gay men with whom they can establish social connections.
A study by Bolding, Davis, Sherr, Hart and Elford (2004) sheds light on the social and sexual capital of gay men using the Internet. Bolding and colleagues have investigated a series of gay men’s motives for using social networking sites. Bolding and colleagues asked 4,974 British men to fill out an online questionnaire about their sexual behaviour and motives for using gay chat-room. Results show that 98% of the men had visited a chat-room, 82% has used these platforms to look for a sexual partner, and 75% has been visiting these platforms to seek for a sexual partner for more than a year. Furthermore, results show that the most important reason for gay men to visit these sites is to find a sexual partner (29.4%). The second most important reason, with 16.5%, is to have contact (whether it is just for having a simple
conversation about daily topics or for fulfilment of sexual needs) with others and the third most important reason is boredom (16.1%).
Grindr supports the establishment of social connections of gay emerging for various purposes. Through Grindr, emerging adults are able to make social
connections that are predominately supposed for making friends whom they can talk to about various topics, such as their homosexuality and the gay culture (Gudelunas, 2012). Moreover, gay emerging adults can also use Grindr for sexual purposes
(Elford, Bolding, & Sherr, 2004). Gay emerging adults indicated to use the chat and GPS function of Grindr to locate other men whom they can meet for sex dates. Research questions
It has become clear that Grindr supports gay emerging adults to develop their identity (Willynk, 2013; Birnholtz, Fitzpatrick, Handel, Brubaker, 2014) and build their social and sexual capital (Elford, Bolding, & Sherr, 2004; Gudelunas, 2012). Although the above stated studies focus on why (motives) gay emerging adults use Grindr, it still not investigated how the functions of Grindr satisfy these motives. Note, that there are studies that have focused on how (behaviourally) (Willynk, 2013) and when (Elford, Bolding, & Sherr, 2004) gay emerging adults use certain functions. However, no study yet has explicitly focused on how the functions, in their design and abilities, of Grindr satisfy the needs of gay emerging adults. In other words, how do the specific-related Grindr functions satisfy the emerging adults’ motives, rather than how the emerging adults use these functions to satisfy their motives.
However, there is a study by Rice et al. (2012) that makes the link between motives of gay emerging adults and the functions of Grindr. However, this study differs from the present study in two important characteristics, namely the research objective and research method. In their research, Rice et al. (2012) targeted
specifically the HIV-risk taking behaviour of gay emerging adults on Grindr. However, the present study does not focus on the HIV-risk taking behaviour and motives of gay emerging adults, rather on how the features of Grindr satisfy the motives that gay emerging adults have to use Grindr. So, Rice et al. (2012) focus on certain risky behaviour and motives to use Grindr, whereas the present study focus on how motives to use Grindr are satisfied by its functions.
the present study lies within the research method. For their research, Rice et al. (2012) employ the method of quantitative nature (online survey). The present study uses a research method of a qualitative nature, namely focus groups. Why the method of focus groups is a better method to investigate the subject of the present study depends on two main reasons. Firstly, the present study focus on sensitive topics such as sexual behaviour, homosexuality, and sex-oriented social network applications. The method of focus groups consists of elements (e.g., researcher’s moderating skills) that make the participants to feel at ease enough to talk about such sensitive topic
(Kitzinger, 1995).
Secondly, the present study tackles a new topic (features of Grindr satisfying the motives) that has not been investigated yet within this population. That is why it is important to understand what the possible underlying rationale of how the features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults (Barbour, 2005). In focus groups, possible underlying rationale are revealed as individuals (participants) from the target group go in conversation with one another about the conversation. These participants do not only express their opinions on the topic, but also give arguments for their opinions. These opinions and arguments eventually form a foundation that can be tested quantitatively and serve as starting points for relevant theories regarding the topic.
In the following section the methodological approach of the present study will be discussed more elaborately. It will be explained why the method of focus groups is more effective when tackling new and sensitive topics. To give the focus group an effective and coherent structures, three research questions have been set, namely:
RQ2: What are the respondent’s motives to use Grindr?
RQ3: What are the most important features that satisfy these motives?
Each of these research questions is covered by one topic (so, in total there are three topics). These topic regard (1) Associations with Grindr, (2) Motives for using Grindr, and (3) Features that satisfy the motives. Research question (RQ) 3 is the most
important, as answers to this RQ provide insights that are important for answering the main research question.
Methods Design
To understand how the specific features of Grindr satisfy emerging adults’ motives, one must go in-depth and asks as many questions as possible by being actively responsive. To gain as many answers as possible to this question, the present study employs focus groups consisting of Dutch gay men between the age of 18 and 25. Why the approach of focus groups? According to Kitzinger (1995) people’s knowledge and attitudes cannot be entirely measured by reasoned responses to direct questions (e.g., survey). It is the real life, daily interactions settings that unveil the what and why behind people’s thinking. That is why for the purpose of this study the method of focus groups will be employed.
A focus group is a qualitative method that is ought to collect data about a topic of interest through group interactions (Morgan, 1996). These interactions are carried out in small group of individuals, from the target group, that engage in a discussion about the target topic (Khan, Anker, Patel, Barge, Sadhwani & Kohle, 1991). During the focus group, a facilitator (in this case: also the researcher) guides the respondents through the discussion by asking questions (listed in the interview guide) and
stimulates free and accessible discussion amongst the respondents by using various techniques, such as telling personal information and using humour (Asbury, 1995). The moderator should take on an active role. This means that the moderator is not only ought to ask the questions, but also ought to repeat the questions, highlight particular comments, look around for relevant non-verbal behaviour and gestures and maintain a silence allowing the group to think and reflect about the discussion further (Arthur & Nazroo, 2003). It is common that participants are chosen purposively on the assumption that they are homogenous in their characteristics relevant to the research. Homogeneity in age, socioeconomic and educational background is not only important as it is relevant for the research, but does also create a supportive ambiance, as participants will feel equal to one another during the discussion (Kitzinger, 1995). Focus groups should be held in natural and relaxing settings so that respondents feel free to answer the questions without feeling uneasy by the characteristics of the setting (Asbury, 1995).
The present study focuses on:
- Exploring a new topic: how the features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults;
- Evaluating existing topics: motives for using Grindr;
- Tackling sensitive topics: such as homosexuality and sexual
behaviour in cyber space (e.g., sending explicit sexual messages and nude pictures).
The method of focus groups has three advantages that make the method suitable to address these focus points.
The first advantage is that there is little to no information about how the specific features satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults. Therefore the method of
focus groups can be used in an exploratory fashion for the present study (Barbour, 2005). In the focus groups, the moderator is able to explicitly elaborate on the topic and gain different opinions from the participants. What does ‘explicitly elaborate on the topic’ entail? It means that, in comparison to (online) surveys, in focus group the moderator can stimulate the participants in an appropriate way to answer the question how they believe that the features of Grindr satisfy their motives. The moderator can keep doing that until he has gained enough information on a topic (Kitzinger, 1995). This also means that the moderator is able to immediately react and keep asking questions, even when the question is quite confronting, such as asking whether or not they use Grindr for sexual purposes. For (online) surveys, participants tend to skip the questions that are confronting and therefore just tick random a random answer to reach the end of the survey (Wright, 2006). These random answers do not provide valid data to the research.
The second advantage of focus group is that participants can agree, disagree, and comment on each other during the interview and therefore eliciting group interaction (Wellings, Branigan & Mitchell, 2014). Considering the fact that the present study tackles a new topic and also sensitive topics, all input from the
participants is important. During group interactions, participants do not only stimulate each other to share their opinions, but also to bring up relevant questions that other participants would not have thought about individually before the focus group (Kitzinger, 1995). Moreover, the group interaction can also reveal some relevant information that has not been taken into account by the researcher beforehand. This is important, as the present research topic is new and there are possibilities that not all of the relevant aspects of this topic are covered. Other methods such as (online) surveys and individual interviews fail to elicit these group interactions.
The third advantage is that focus groups reveal hidden information (Morgan, 1996). Participants do not only answer the question, but can also explain the rationale behind the answer. They are not limited to the fixed set of responses of an (online) survey. In this way, the researcher is provided with explicit individual answers and does not have to speculate on the rationale behind the answers (like in most cases of online surveys). This means that participants could indicate new motives for using Grindr and they can explain how the functions of Grindr satisfy their motives. Moreover, due to the fact that participants feel important and appreciated, they are more likely to feel responsible for their contributions to this new topic.
Participants
According to Cronin (2008) the ideal size of a focus group is six to ten people. However, for the present study it is decided to employ six small focus groups, each consisting of four respondents, for three reasons. The first reason is that according to Peek and Fothergill (2009), smaller focus groups (3-5 respondents) are easier to manage and steer towards the objective. Well-managed, easily run focus groups will provide more depth and substance to the topic. The second reason is that unlike larger focus groups, individuals in smaller groups tend to articulate their own, individual thoughts and will rely less on social floating (Cronin, 2008). According to Latané, Williams and Harkins (1979) social floating is the tendency in which people rely on other people to do the talking, which does not result in nuanced responses. The third, and perhaps most important, reason is that with regards to sensitive topics, smaller focus groups are more effective, as respondents are more at ease with expressing their thoughts (Wellings, Branigan & Mitchell, 2000). They are less intimidated by the largeness and variety of the group.
As for the composition of the focus groups, homogeneity within each group is strived for as this study capitalises on the participants shared experiences regarding Grindr (Kitzinger, 1995). This means that participants should be uniform in their sexual preference, usage or experience with Grindr, and nationality (Dutch).
Moreover, it is important that participants are not acquainted with one another, as this will provide group members to express themselves more freely (Khan et al., 1991).
As for the recruitment of the respondent for the focus groups, the author’s primary and secondary network will be used. Individuals that are eligible for the study will be approached via email and the social networking site Facebook with
information about the study and whether he is willing to participate in a discussion about the topic. To be included in the study, respondents should meet several criteria. The first two criteria are the gender and age of the respondent. All of the respondents must be men and fall within the age category of 18 to 25 years old. The third and fourth criterion is that respondents must be homosexual and have had experience with Grindr. This means that respondents should know how Grindr works and have used it several times. The fifth, and final, criterion is that all respondents should be Dutch native speakers, as this study is also interested in the use of Grindr of Dutch gay emerging adults. Respondents who meet the criteria and consent to participant will be randomly assigned according to time availability.
Procedure
Each focus group will last for approximately an hour and will be held in the evening during the month of June 2014 at the home of the researcher in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. To make the focus groups as effective as possible the course of the interview should be divided into five stages and conducted according an interview guide (Finch & Lewis, 2003).
The interview guide is divided into three main sections, respectively called topics, with each section consisting of a main question and several follow-up
questions for more insights and clarifications. With regards to the set up of questions, according to Krueger (1998) open ended questions are more effective than closed questions, as these questions provide the respondent the opportunity to give a free and personal answer, but still relevant to the topic. Examples of open ended questions are: ‘‘what…?’’, ‘’How…?’’, and ‘’Why…?’’ The transition from question to question is will take place when saturation or the goal of the topic is achieved. To achieve saturation or goal, both researcher as respondents are important (Finch & Lewis, 2014. It is the researcher who must adopt an open and encouraging attitude (e.g., ‘’It’s great that you all are willing to participate’’, ‘’I am very interested in what you have to say’’) in which he encourages respondents to provide in-depth and relevant
answers to the questions (e.g., ‘’You just said that… I would like to know more about that’’) before moving on to the next question. Moreover, the researcher is also ought to collect as much as data from as many respondent as possible. This means that dominant respondents must be curbed (e.g., ‘’Let’s hear what others have to say’’) and reticent participants must be directly addressed (e.g., making eye contact and asking questions such as ‘‘What do you think?’’). With regards to the respondents, they can stimulate and question each other during the discussion.
With regards to the stages, in the first stage, the researcher (interviewer: ‘’I’’) welcomes the respondents, thanks them for coming, and puts them at ease by a light-minded conversation, avoiding the main topic. When all respondents have arrived and have taken a seat at the table, the research will adopt a more formal attitude. In this role, he will introduce himself, provide background information about the research, and informs the respondents about the course of the discussion and their rights of
withdraw and total confidentiality. The respondents are told that it is a group
discussion and that respondents can say whatever comes in mind, as there are no right or wrong answers, without talking over each other. Finally, the researcher informs the respondents that they can have refreshments and that the discussion is recorded for the accuracy of the research.
In the second stage, the researcher switches the recording device on and asks the respondents to introduce themselves (name, age, and hobby). This introduction serves two important points. Firstly, by knowing each other, respondents will feel more at ease when sharing personal thoughts. Secondly, introduction will also provide the respondents the opportunity to practice the role of speaker and listener.
In the third stage, the researcher will introduce the opening topic (topic 1), namely the associations with Grindr. During this stage, respondents engage in a general and more neutral discussion about the topic. This can be done by a warm up exercise, namely a word association game in which participants have to enumerate every possible, positive or negative, association they have with Grindr on a piece of paper and discuss this plenary. A warm up exercise like the word association exercise is important in a sensitive topic, as according to Wellings, Branigan and Mitchell (2000) respondents should not be overwhelmed with the most confronting questions, but rather presented with more neutral questions. Wellings et al. recommend that such exercises should start with questions such as ‘’What comes in mind when you think of [name product (Grindr)]’’ or ‘’When I say [name product (Grindr)], what words do come in mind?’’ Due to the fact that there are no wrong or right associations, individuals are more encouraged to say whatever comes in mind.
After the introduction and warm up exercise, the researcher introduces the discussion of the main topics (stage four). This stage consists of the discussion of
topic 2 and 3. Topic 2 concerns the motives behind the usage of Grindr. Krueger (1998) argues that when asking for the motives behind the usage of a certain consumer product (in this case Grindr), questions should mainly focus on the initiation of a discussion, as one is interested in finding out ‘’why’’ and ‘’how’’ an individual is using a certain product. Examples of such questions that will be asked during this topic are ‘’How do you use Grindr?’’ and ‘‘what or who does influence you to use Grindr?’’. After discussing the possible motives for using Grindr, it is in third topic discussed how the features of Grindr satisfy these motives. This means that the relation between the respondent’s (consumer’s) motives and the features of the Grindr (product) are investigated (Robinson, 1999). In this stage, the answers of the participants are revealed and categorized into themes to provide an answer to the research question. This relation can be elucidated during the focus group discussion by asking questions such as ‘’Can you mention features of [product (Grindr)] that appeal to you the most?’’ and ‘’Which aspect of [product (Grindr)] is important to you?’’.
In the fifth, and final topic, the research asks final questions and for clarifications of unclear answers or comments. Finally, the research thanks the
respondents and inform whether they are interested in the research once it is finished. Analysis
Prior knowledge has provided insights on the motives of gay emerging adults for using Grindr. Prior knowledge has also provided insights on the functioning of the features of Grindr. However, there is little to no knowledge on how the characterizing features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults. And due to this lack of knowledge it is recommended to use the inductive approach as the analysis of the content (Lauri & Kyngäs, 2005).
The foundation of the analysis starts with the transcription in Dutch. The transcription is the written version of the taped conversation (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). There are various transcription codes that make reading a transcription more vivid and reliable for interpretation (Longhurst, 2003). A double oblique // refers to an overlap in talk and a dot in a parenthesis (.) refers to a pause in the talk. Non-verbal actions, gestures, and facial expressions are noted in square brackets. However, not all transcriptions necessarily employ these transcription codes.
In the inductive approach data diverges from specific content to general content, making it possible to observe specific content (e.g., words, phrases) and then combine it into larger of more general content (e.g., statements) (Chinn & Kramer, 1999). The inductive approach consists of three phases, namely the preparation, organizing, and reporting phase (Elo & Kyngäs, 2005).
In the preparation phase the researcher starts with picking out the units of that he finds fitting for the analysis (Guthrie, Yongvanich & Ricceri, 2004). These so-called units can be words or sentences selected from the transcription of the data. After the preparation phase, the researcher starts with the organization phase. In this phase the researcher organises the units in order to gain a better understanding of the essence of the whole content (Morse & Field, 1995). Organizing the content can be done through abstraction (Polit & Beck, 2004). This means that words or sentences with the same meaning, connotation or that describe the same concept are assembled together into a pool, also called a sub-category. The pools of word/sentences in the sub-category can be put together resulting into a theme, namely a generic category. This means that words/sentences regarding the associations were put together in the same generic category ‘’Associations, words/associations regarding the motives were put together in the generic category ‘’Motives’’, and words/associations regarding the
functions of Grindr were put together in the generic category ‘’Functions of Grindr’’. In their turn, each of these subcategories results in a generic category that describes the overall concept of the subjoined subcategories. Putting the generic categories together lead to an answer to/descriptions of the research topic. The process of abstraction elongates are far as is reasonable and possible. Below a schematic overview is provided to illustrate the process of abstraction.
Content-characteristic word Content-characteristic word Content-characteristic word Content-characteristic word Content-characteristic word Content-characteristic word
Figure 1. Abstraction approach in the inductive content analysis
In the following section the results will be discussed according to the clustering of the responses from the focus groups. These clusters will be complemented with quotes from the respondents.
Sub-category Generic category Main category
Description of research topic r e s e a r c h t o p i c Associations Motives Functions
Results
The research question of the present study is how the features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults. The course of the focus groups was divided into three topics (each topic matching a sub research question). The participants have all indicated their personal motives to use Grindr and explained how these motives are satisfied by the functions of Grindr. In the following section, each topic will be discussed, complemented with quotes (translated from Dutch) from the participants, and linked to the theories about identity exploring and social connections addressed in the theoretical framework. The first topic regard the associations that participants have with Grindr, the second topic are the motives that participants have to use Grindr, and the third topic elaborates on how the functions of Grindr satisfy the motives of these participants. I will discuss the first two topics briefly to give an impression, as these are only stepping stone to the actual topic of interest, topic 3. Topic 1: the associations
The overall impression and association with Grindr is that, according to the participants, it is meant for sexual purposes. When asked for their associations, participants talked about ‘’sex’’, ‘’dicks’’, ‘’secret dates’’, ‘’dirty old men’’, ‘’nude photos’’. However, when the participants were asked for an explanation of these associations or whether or not these associations also apply to them, the indicated other concepts. At this stage they talked more about the deeper underlying
associations and how these associations have been established in their perception of Grindr. On of the participants indicated that one possible reason why Grindr is only about sex is due to the fact that people who use Grindr are emotionally blunted.
Sander: People are emotionally blunted who start using it (referring to Grindr). Everyone feels like ‘’this cannot be expressed in here’’ (referring to personal, non-sexual issues),
because it is so superficial. You do not start a relationship with someone with whom you only have a one-night-stand.
[Focus group 2]
I: Can you tell me you associations?
Dylan: My strongest association is that it is an app for homosexual men who want to find other homosexual men in their area to have contact with.
I: Who else has the same association? Bas: I do.
I: Can you explain that?
Bas: It is about making contacts with the people you wan to make contact with. I: What else?
Bas: Social, chats, sex, and dick pics.
[Focus group 6]
In these associations it appears that the strongest associations with Grindr are related to sex. According to Gudelunas (2012), gay men predominately use Grindr for social purposes. Whether it is for socializing, making friends or just for sex, Grindr appears to be a convenient tool to satisfy these needs (Elford, Bolding, & Sherr, 2001). Topic 2: motives for using Grindr
With regards to the motives, participants indicated that they used Grindr out of curiosity and boredom. However, none of the participants could indicate what they were missing in their real lives that stimulated them to use Grindr.
Vincent: You are asking why I downloaded it? I have downloaded it more frequently and then deleted it and then downloaded it again. I want to kill some time, but also because I will feel like a bad gay boy if I do not put myself out there and increase my chances for find someone. I could feel guilty about
[Focus Group 4]
Kevin: Well…it is just… when I downloaded it, I eventually discovered that after I had met up with someone for a sex date that is was not what I wanted it. It was so superficial.
[Focus group 4]
I: Are there other purposes to download Grindr than just meeting other people?
Wouter: It is also something to determine your market value. You can be proud of your profile picture and how you look. It gives your ego a boost.
[Focus group 3] What Vincent indicated is also something that is supported by Willynk (2013).
According to him gay men use Grindr to find other gay men. What Kevin and Wouter indicated is alignment with what Birnholtz, Fitpatrick, Handel and Brubaker (2014) suggested. According to them gay men meet up with other gay men on Grindr to evaluate their identities and learn more about their self-presentation.
Topic 3: the functions of Grindr Chat function
Participants frequently indicated that the three most important functions to them were the chat function, photo function, and GPS function. Each of these functions appeared to satisfy other motives. With regards to the chat function, from time to time it reoccurred that participants used Grindr to learn about who they are (and how to behave), about their sexuality, but also how they can challenge
functions participants were able to engage in conversations with other users. The user can choose to have a conversation with any other active user at any time, but other users can also approach the user. What also made this function appealing to use is that they can also evaluate whether or not the recipient is a qualified sex dates by asking him the necessary questions. Moreover, this function is appealing to use for motives is because there are no time or costs strings attached. Finally, the chat function is
designed in such way that is user friendly and easy to user. The user only has to open the open, click on someone they want to have a conversation with and a chat window opens. They can use letters, but also emoticons to express themselves.
I: How did these conversations influence your personality?
Nathan: I think mine for sure. Not as a dominating factor, but I believe that everything you experience has an influence on you. I also believe that you are always occupied with how you come across in conversation whether it is in front of your family and friends or via an app. I think that when you see how others use the app you automatically start to think about how you will use the app or how you will behave across it.
[Focus group 1]
I: Has any of you learned about what they want or do not want through having conversations?
Kevin: …Well…a couple of weeks ago I had a classic sex date…well…without mumbo-jumbo. I do not like that. But it was a Spanish guy. After we had sex he immediately left and I thought ‘’disgusting’’. It was so superficial. No, it could not be any more superficial than that.
[Focus group 3] Vincent: I have learned about myself that I am quite superficial… of course you would like to believe that you are a multi-layered person, but…you know. I: What do you mean?
Vincent: I like to think that I am deeper person when conversing with other people, but on there I do not have to be. I have learned that I am like that on Grindr
Dirk: Yes, I can find myself in that up to a point. You can use Grindr to find out through, the messages what you like or do not like. You understand?
[Focus group 4] I: …But how did it help you to discover other aspects?
Damian: A while ago, I was always busy. I had my education, friends and sport. I had no time for dating. At some point I had the feeling as if my entire life was settled and uhm…there was no space any longer. I wanted to find someone, but there was no space. And I did not know how to tackle those. So I thought having conversations with other men via Grindr was an easy solution.
[Focus group 5]
In these quotations, participants indicate that when talking with others they have learned that the experience of a conversation influenced them in the way that they started to think about their identity and behaviour (Nathan, focus group 1; Kevin, focus group 3; and Vincent & Dirk, focus group 4). This finding can be linked with the ideas of Baym (2000). Baym (2000) suggested that individuals use SNS not only to find out who they are but also to reflect on their behaviour. Talking with other can
provide information on how one wants to behave and how others perceive one’s behaviour.
Some of the participants did not talk about their identity in general, but about a specific aspect, namely their sexual identity. Talking with other gay men taught the participants a lot about their own sexuality.
Ivo: I am also noticing that the more I use Grindr, the more I cross my boundaries…getting more comfortable with my sexuality, you know. I: Can you explain that?
Ivo: This one time I was having a conversation with a guy…that I met on Grindr. At some point we started talking via WhatsApp and he started sending me nude picture of himself. Then, I send him a nude picture of myself. At that moment I realised that a time ago I would have never done that.
[Focus Group 1] This finding is in alignment with Willynk’s (2013) notion that gay men use Grindr to explore their sexual identities. They want to learn about their sexual boundaries, sexual behaviour, and sexual preferences. Finding answers to these questions can provide them more insights on how to express themselves through this function.
Some of the participants also told that they used Grindr while they were still in the closet. Although participants knew that they are gay and that it is a substantial part of the identity, they were still afraid of coming out of the closet in their social
environments. For these participants, Grindr provides a good temporary solution to this struggle. During these conversations, the chat feature does not discriminate in users; so all individuals can use the feature and talk freely.
I: Has any of you used Grindr when you were still in the closet? David: Well…yes.
I: Why did you like it to be on Grindr?
David: Well, you go on Grindr and look around and you do not have any gay friends.
Sander: See, if you do not have any gay friends and you are truly interested in having them, you can have conversation with fellow gay men on Grindr.
[Focus group 3] These quotations tell us that gay men can also use Grindr while they are still in the closet. According to Dodge (2014) gay men who are still in the closet use Grindr, because they know that they are in a safe environment. In this environment they can express their (sexual) identity, make contact with other gay men, and forget about their secret lives. And this all can be done due to the fact that the chat function of Grindr allows its users to have conversation without being obliged to give away one’s true identity.
Aside from the fact that participants gained information about their identities, they could also establish social connections through the conversation feature. This need for establishing social connections lies partly within the fact that participants are in contact with people from their community, the gay community (Gudelunas, 2012). The chat feature in Grindr does not save the conversation, and moreover it does not obligate a user to provide personal information so that users can talk freely and anonymously without endangering exposure of identity.
Victor: It is an easy way to meet other people. It is simple. You know, it used to be meeting people at the bar. Now you have this idealistic idea of meeting the right people on this app. Although, it is still weird to have a conversation with a total stranger.
[Focus group 1]
I: What did you look for during these conversations?
David: Yes, just browsing and hoping to find someone who can help you and find support.
Sander: Yes, it is about finding a connection with others. David: Yes, a sense of connection.
I: Are we talking about a sense of connection on a friendship level? David: That too…
Sander: You see, when you are gay and you do not have any gay friend you are interested in having them. You are talking with people who are the same as you are.
[Focus group 2] Participants felt that they could connect with other that share similarities with them. According to Birnholtz, Fitzpatrick, Handel, and Brubaker (2014), gay men use Grindr, as they want to share their similarities with other and express their
self-presentation (identiy). Moreover, these social connections also help the participants to deal with the coming-out process (Grov, Simbi, Namin, & Parsons, 2006) by talking freely with other and gain the courage to accept themselves (Willynk, 2013). The photo function
The photo feature of Grindr means that users can install a profile picture (a photos as a part of the user’s profile), but also that users can send each other photos within a conversation in the chat feature. Participants have indicated the two most important motives that this faction satisfies, namely finding a sex date and the verification of a user. Participants claimed that based upon another user’s profile picture they decide whether or not to initiate a conversation and/or meet up someone for a sex date. According to them a picture provides information on how a person might be in reality and whether or not there is a physical attraction.
I: What is so convenient about the photo feature?
Zlatan: Well, that, for example, when you want to have sex with someone you only have to open Grindr and find out whether or not there is someone who wants to have sex with you.
Sander: I am quite occupied with my appearance, but also with that of another. I always look at what is right or wrong.
[Focus Group 2]
I: Kevin? Did you ever have had sex based upon a picture of someone else? Kevin: Yes, I have. It is quite funny actually. I live in [place name] near a lot of hotels. At night I receive photos from other men asking me to have sex with them.
I: Ok, and you, Vincent?
Vincent: Yes, I have had sex. But at the moment I do not, because I realised that it did not make me happy. It was exciting to have conversations with a
cute guy and I enjoyed the attention, but at a sex date you know what will happen.
[Focus group 4] According to the participants, Grindr is a convenient tool when you just want to hook up and fulfil your sexual needs in the self-gained social network. These findings are in alignment with Elford, Bolding, and Sherr’s findings (2001). According to them Grindr is a source full tool that can help creating a social network.
The photo feature serves another motive. When having a conversation with a complete stranger, participants indicated that at some point they wondered whether or not the recipient is real or not. That is why they asked the recipients to send more pictures. There was no actual consensus about how the recipient should look like, but a photo with only a stomach or phallus did not suffice. Participants preferred an actual face, as this would be proof of existence. It was indicated by them that they base their decision on a photo rather than on a conversation. The rational behind this is that a photo actually shows you a person. You literally have an image of a person that brings him alive in the memory. And to verify that person, you can ask for more photos. When these photos match the profile picture that should, for the participants, enough validation.
I: What would happen if there would be no picture function on Grindr? That you could only have conversations with a person.
Zlatan: Then, it would be unreliable. You already have people that upload fake profile pictures.
David: We, and now I am generalizing, are quite focus on physical
appearance. So, if there would be no photos on Grindr, then, I believe that many people would not use the app.
I: But what use do these pictures have? I mean they could be fake.
Sander: True, but that is a risk that you should be willing to take. Moreover, during a conversation you can always ask for more pictures. I am quite focused on appearance and looking for flaw or inconsistencies within an appearance.
I: Yes, but what about these conversations? Sander: Based upon these photos?
I: Yes.
Sam: These conversations can be fake as well. A picture is for me more reliable than a conversation.
[Focus Group 2]
I: Why are these pictures so important? Alex: Cute photos are crucial.
Dylan: I always immediately asked for more photos to know who that person really is. It makes a person more real you know.
Alex: You cannot see everything because the setting is not in real-life and that is why pictures are important
Dylan: I also immediately ask him to send me a picture of what he is doing at the moment. In that way I can immediately find out whether or not he is speaking the truth.
Sharing photos provides a visual image of the sender and recipient. This makes it easier to decide whether or not to end the conversation, to make friends, or to have sex. By having a clear image of the person they are talking to, they feel more at ease to share things with each other. And with each time they share things, the stronger the connection becomes. Lastly, having a visual image of other homosexual men gives homosexuality a face. It is no longer the scary unknown. The scary unknown becomes more visible and becomes a culture that the gay men want to be a part of (Gross, 2007).
The GPS-function
The GPS-feature determines the proximity of other users, allowing its user to decide whether or not to contact another user. The participants suggested that this feature satisfied several motives. Three specific motives reoccurred in the answers of the participants. Participant used the GPS-feature to meet up with other men
(predominately for sex encounters), to identify other gay men in the neighbourhood, and to ask for tips on holidays. All are to some extent related to establishing social connections.
Some of the participants grew up in smaller cities or rather more conservative environments, making it more difficult to express their homosexuality and finding other to talk to in real life. Due to GPS, participants were able to locate other men and make appointments for real-life dates.
Vincent: I think it is really exciting to locate other gay men in the
all of these gay men in the neighbourhood it felt as if I have found a treasure. It is a treasure with lots of possibilities.
Kevin; It is quite exciting to see who is gay in your area. I live in a city [name city] and that city is quite conservative so for me it was funny to discover who is gay.
[Focus group 4] Dylan: It is exciting to know that… where I come from [city of origin]…I checked my Grindr just to find out who is gay. Do even gay men live here? It is exciting.
[Focus Group 6]
Nathan: Eh…familiar people…I recognize many of my homosexual colleagues on Grindr. I sometimes do not want that people would recognize me or even track my location.
[Focus group 1]
Due to the fact that participants were able to locate one another, they became aware of the visibility of the gay culture within their vicinity (Gross, 2007). Moreover, by talking with other gay men from the neighbourhood, participants did not feel like they were the only gay in the village (Eliason, 1996).
Participants also said that the GPS-feature is a convenient feature when you are abroad. It is an easy tool to meet up with locals (whether it is for friends or social dates) or ask locals about the ins and outs of the gay culture in that area.
Vincent: The GPS feature allows you to have a conversation when you are abroad…and you would like to have contact with locals about the activities you can do. You can look who is nearby.
I: Why is that so convenient?
Vincent: Well, because people who live 10 miles away I would not ask them for tips. I consider it like a guide.
[Focus group 4]
I: What feature do you prefer?
Joris: The GPS-feature. You can easily make contact with other people. I remember that I have used this feature when I was in [name land]. It was really scary to use it in a foreign
Country, But then I was able to locate other men, conquered my fears and started a conversation
[Focus group 5]
Dylan: When I went on holiday I had Grindr for a while. You tend to use it more often when you are in a new scenery. When I went on holiday with my boyfriend last summer, we both downloaded Grindr to see whether we could find other men to meet up with and do activities together.
Bas: I used Grindr when I went to Spain. It is nice to have something you can talk to people to when you are in a foreign country.
In sum, participants have indicated to have various motives to use Grindr and how the various features of Grindr satisfy these motives. Firstly, participants use the chat feature to explore various aspect of their identity, such as their behaviour and
sexuality. Secondly, participants use the photo feature to base a sex date upon and to verify the existence of the recipient. Thirdly, participants use the GPS-feature to locate other gay men in their vicinity and when they are abroad.
Conclusion & discussion
The present study employs the research question: ‘‘how do the features of Grindr satisfy the motives of gay emerging adults?’’ The answer to that question was obtained from conducting focus groups amongst Dutch gay emerging adults who use Grindr. The course of the focus group was divided into three topics in (1)
associations, (2) motives for using Grindr, and (3) the features of Grindr. With regards to the associations, participants indicated that they associate Grindr
predominately with sex. With regards to the second topic, the motives, participants indicated that they used Grindr predominately out of boredom and curiosity. However, when asked further, they indicated they also wanted to discover their homosexuality, personal boundaries, and sexuality. These findings are in alignment with the findings of Baym (1996) and Willynk (2013). With regards to the third, and most important, topic participants indicated that the three most important functions of Grindr are the chat function, photo function, and the GPS-function. The chat function helped the participants to have conversations with others regarding their coming-out process (Grov, Simbi, Nanin & Parsons, 2006) in a viral safe environment where they could discuss personal things anonymously (Dodge, 2014). The photo function allowed the participants to exchange photos they could use to determine whether or not to proceed with or end the contact (Elford, Bolding & Sherr, 2001). With regards
