(Homo)masculinities: dating apps and body image among young gay users in Spain

Abstract

Mobile dating apps (MDAs) generate spaces where masculinities are (co)produced and reproduced, acting as platforms that define the standards of such masculinities. The objective of this article is to understand the role that MDAs play among young users in the construction of masculinity through body image. The data were collected from 40 semi-structured interviews to male users of MDAs, divided in four groups of age (18–25 and 40+ years old) and sexuality (gay and heterosexual) to compare their experiences and discourses. Results show that, despite muscularity being viewed as a sign of status in all groups and very prevalent in the gay group, users challenge its hegemony by questioning the use of enhancement drugs and the cult-like mentality of muscular users. Gay interviewees also discuss the prevalence of objectification and sexualization in gay culture, but younger users talk about challenging them in their self-presentation. Finally, age seems to give confidence to heterosexual users, while the reverse happens in our gay group. However, in their answers, age and socio-economic status are sometimes conflated.