The New Language of Online Love: A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Role of Social Media in Shaping Modern Dating Relationships Among Young Adults in Kerala, India.

Despite Kerala's reputation as an educated state in India, its conservative society still views dating relationships as sinful acts or stigmatized concepts. However, due to the growing influence of social media, young adults began exploring their options through Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc. I conducted a phenomenological investigation to comprehend how young adults navigate their relationships on social media, a process that heavily relies on digital communication for mate selection and relationship navigation, particularly among younger individuals. For this study, I conducted interviews with 8 men and 15 women aged between 18 and 25. In addition, I conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) to enhance the understanding. Social media has emerged as a new platform for the younger generation to connect with their partners, making their relationships both easier and more risky. The study also revealed that social media texting skills play a crucial role in establishing a mate connection, with reels and emojis acting as both saviours and villains in their dating relationships. The study highlight the need for more awareness around digital literancy in dating relationship.