Content area
Abstract
Loneliness is a growing problem. Single men are among the most isolated members of today’s society. The technology most tied to addressing loneliness is online dating and dating apps. Internet dating may worsen the feelings of loneliness. This qualitative, multiple case study investigated the lived experience of loneliness among young adult, gay- and heterosexually-identified single men. Five gay-identified and five straight-identified men, between the ages of 20 and 30, were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the NVivo program. Themes were identified and coded. Each man’s description of his lived experience of loneliness was unique but also typical. Quotes from participants were used to demonstrate dominant themes. There were themes shared within the two groups and themes shared by all men. A mismatch between expectations and recognizing the limitations of dating apps lead to disappointment and frustration. Men, and women, should be educated that alternatives to dating apps to address some of the causes of loneliness are available. Implications and plans for future studies are presented.
