SWIPE LEFT OR SWIPE RIGHT: ONLINE DATING EXPERIENCES OF THE YOUTH IN SOUTH COTABATO

In today's world, it is safe to argue that online dating has transformed the way we meet people, especially in this generation. The development of online dating impacted more traditional ways of finding romantic partners. This study sought to understand the experiences, perceived differences between traditional and online dating, aspirations, and perceived potential of online dating of the youth. This research used a qualitative research design and phenomenological approach. To describe the themes of participants' experiences, it used the thematic analysis method. A total of three (3) research participants were purposively selected from Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok South Cotabato by in- depth interview.

The findings of the study revealed a pattern in online dating experiences and their reasons. The major reasons why they engaged in online dating are boredom, and finding romantic relationship, and how it affected their lives. The implication is that there is a new wave on how people interact especially on how people approach romantic relationship. Online dating shows some evidences that these dating apps can either hamper or enhance how people express themselves based on their experiences.