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@article{206835,
        author = {Kirti and Ritika},
        title = {Love and Barriers: Exploring the LGBTQ+ Experience on Dating and Hook-Up Apps},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {3096-3101},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206835},
        abstract = {In the relationships of LGBTQ+ individuals, dating and hook-up applications have created an entirely different alteration and thus a plethora of challenges. The research looks closely into users' experiences on the most popular online dating such as eHarmony, Grindr, OKCupid, and Tinder in order to excavate the hindrances for the most authenticistic, meaningful connections. In-depth interviews reveal several different obstacles to a positive and safe online dating experience for LGBTQ+ individuals. Misrepresentation of one's identity or gender, fear of rejection and social barriers seem to be the most significant barriers for users trying to create authentic relationships. Other issues mentioned by participants revolve mainly around harassment, discrimination, and privacy concerns. The study also reveals that the additional problems exacerbating those from LGBTQ are misrepresentation, fetishization, and lack of inclusiveness on these platforms. The findings thus highlight the imminent need for better app design and stricter protocols for safety to provide a more inclusive and friendly environment to all identities from the LGBTQ+ community. Improvement of option diversity and features that assure safety and authenticity may help mitigate such challenges. It would be possible to create safer online spaces in which LGBTQ+ individuals would connect with others without feeling threatened or even discriminated against, harassed, or harmed by creating these barriers. In other words, this study reveals the dilemma of being both complex and simple during a true dating and hook-up experience for the LGBTQ+. It begs the need for well-founded sites whose safety nets disallow users to go about their personal lives not quite in keeping with their true selves.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {July},
        }