Idosos e a busca de relacionamentos amorosos via internet

Abstract

The main objective of the present research was to analyze the search for romantic internet relationships among the elderly. The target group consisted of eight elderly persons, two men and six women, who visited specific websites for on-line dating. The used approach was a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory method. For the data collection a semi-structured scripted interview was used while recording the persons answers and later doing an integral written transcription. In order to analyze the interview a content analysis technique was used. This is an empirical analysis to understand the participants response on the matter, applied by taking the following steps: a) Whole transcription of the recorded information obtained in the semi structured-interviews; b) Reading of the interview transcriptions, analyzing and specifying each theme-related relevant aspect; c) Creation of categories according to previously established topics, relevant to the purpose of both research and literature; d) Data description and analysis by using specific literature on the subject. Based on these processes, the following categories and subcategories of analysis were created: Aging perception: fear of getting old; redefining the current life moment; Reasons for searching a relationship on the internet: loneliness, being ashamed of looking for a partner in real life, use of spare time; Support: friends, family, own; Platforms used: Jaumo, Tinder, Happn, meet.it; on-line chat rooms, Badoo, Uol, Facebook® and WhatsApp®; Experiences: fear of prejudice, fear of being scammed, some were able to pursue short relationships, others kept the love companion till the day this study was published. Based on the results obtained, this study comes to the conclusion that, in spite of certain challenges, this new dating category is nothing more than an alternative option in the search for love.