“Okay, So What Are We?” The Reproduction of Monogamy In Tinder Couples

Monogamy is the dominant relational model in the Western world. It is taken for granted and considered obvious and natural, meaning its formation and implementation are rarely analysed. This study aimed to explore how monogamous relationships are dialogically constructed in Italy between individuals who met via Tinder. Tinder is the most widely used dating app globally, and it is a context that fosters a plurality of romantic and/or sexual encounters. In such a context, the presumption of monogamy is not tenable. We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with individuals who had engaged in at least one monogamous relationship with a partner met on Tinder. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four main themes: “Constructing a Monogamous Self: Desire and Identity”, “Defining the Couple as a Closed Unit”, “Being a Couple for Everyone to See” and “Framing Tinder as a Deviant Context and the Quest for Legitimacy”. These themes illustrate the multiple, interrelated levels through which monogamy is actively constructed and reproduced. The results contribute to the body of research that questions the thesis that dating apps are eroding traditional romantic ideals or the desirability of long-term monogamous relationships. On the contrary, monogamy appears re-legitimised through its active reaffirmation in environments where it is not automatically assumed.