#Queer_HCI #Qualitative_study

︎CHI ’24
︎ Leading the project

Online dating technology mediates various social interactions for LGBTQ+ populations. However, how this technology shapes queerness remains understudied, particularly in the context of queer women in non-Western settings.

To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study with 17 queer women to investigate their expectations, challenges, and strategies in online dating within the conservative context of South Korea.

While they initially anticipated unstructured interactions, our findings revealed that technology normalized queer interactions systematically. The norms in this sphere regulated how participants presented their queer sexuality, constructed open-ended intimate connections, and perceived the spectrum of the community. Eventually, online dating technology compelled them to perform what was expected to be normal or leave the space.

We discuss the importance of considering intricate sociocultural dynamics in technology-mediated queerness in interactions and present design considerations for non-normative experiences. Our study contributes to an expanded understanding of technology-mediated queer interactions in a closeted society.

︎ Advised by Dr. Hajin Lim and Joonhwan Lee
︎ Committee Members: Dr. Sooah Kim, Hwajung Hong, and Joonhwan Lee