Textually Presenting Masculinity and the Body on Mobile Dating Apps for Men Who Have Sex With Men

Scholars have noted that men who have sex with men (MSM) place value upon hegemonic masculinity, both in reference to the self as well as potential partners. The current study examined masculinity language, body language, and sports/working out language in MSM-specific mobile dating app profiles. Using selective self-presentation and self-categorization theory as a background, the current work uncovered a clear privileging of masculinity and a focus on the male body in participants’ profile language directed at the self and others. Men who used body language in their profiles were more likely to be older, single, and North American, while men who used sports/working out language were more likely to be college graduates from North America. Finally, the results indicated a connection between language regarding masculinity, the body, and sports/working out.