ABSTRACT
Global social networks (GSNs) employ various means to draw the attention of another user: on some, one swipes left, others the user can send a ‘woof’ or a ‘flirt’ to get the attention of a potential mate. Something in their photo or wording of their profile has captured attention, and the user reaches out in hope of a response. The Pew Research Center offers the following broad trends: in 2005, 44 percent of US adult respondents felt online dating was a good way to meet people. In 2015, this number had increased to 59 percent. In 2005, 29 percent of respondents felt people who used online dating sites were desperate. Psychoanalysis has been hard-pressed to theoretically define ‘normal’ sexuality, let alone a model of enduring relationships. A highly relevant view for our understanding of GSN usage is found in Tolpin. Theorists strive for clean, precise definitions of terms and concepts.
