Abstract

Internet dating is now ranked third as the way people meet, behind meeting at work or school, and through a friend or family member. This study researches the use of social and linguistic norms in online dating advertisements. Previous research has posed that social groups create unique identities and group members will selectively present themselves in ways consistent with these identities. Using Craigslist to assess the similarities and differences between genders and sexualities in online personal postings, an online quiz-like survey was created. This research reports on people's abilities to predict the sexual orientation and gender of the writer based on linguistic cues.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Online dating--Research; Personals; Self-presentation; Sociolinguistics

Publication Date

12-15-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Neumann, David

Advisor/Committee Member

Hair, Neil

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HQ801.82 .E55 2010

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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