Can dating app users’ self-disclosure foster travel intentions? An appnography approach

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of self-disclosure on travel motivations and intentions among users of dating apps. Data were collected through a year of appnography and 22 in-depth interviews. The findings show that dating app users go through three stages of self-disclosure, involving the gradual, reciprocal, and hierarchical sharing of information within the app. This self-disclosure leads to the development of travel motivations and strengthens intentions to travel internationally. The study suggests that dating apps, although not designed for travel purposes, can be beneficial to the tourism industry. This paper presents appnographic insights and argues for the increasing importance of online dating apps in the realm of tourism as a platform for creating travel motivations and intentions through in-app interactions.