Connecting Through Apps: Online Dating as a Social Occupation among Filipino Users

Abstract

Social occupation, a key component of occupational engagement, encompasses activities that foster interaction and connection. In the digital age, social participation has extended into virtual spaces, with online dating emerging as a prominent form of it. Platforms such as Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and OkCupid offer structured avenues for these interactions. However, research exploring online dating as a meaningful occupation remains limited. This study explores how Filipino adults engage with dating apps as a social occupation, focusing on how these platforms support connection, social participation, and personal meaning. A qualitative research design utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyze the experiences of Filipino adults in their early 20s living in Batangas. Participants were selected through snowball sampling, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Both deductive and inductive reasoning guided the analysis. Findings revealed seven key themes categorized into the definition, forms, functions, and meanings of online dating. These themes include defining online dating, quick relationships, drawbacks, novelty in social interactions, trust and safety, self-discovery and growth, and escape. The study emphasizes online dating as a complex social occupation that fosters participation, emotional regulation, and identity exploration. It deepens understanding of how digital platforms shape human connection, emotional experiences, and occupational meaning in contemporary Filipino society.