Dating apps such as Tinder, Grindr and Bumble have introduced us up to an entire spectrum of ages, races and ethnicities at the simple swipe of a thumb. However, while perceived wisdom will have us believe that more choices will mean modern daters would be more open-minded and liberal, is this actually translating to the real world and our search for love? The actual data suggests not.
A decade-long study by online dating behemoth, OKCupid found that when it comes to replies and interaction on their platform, the world of dating has become a racial hierarchy in which all Whites sit comfortably at the top and minority sub-groups such as Black Women and South-Asian men, sit uncomfortably at the bottom.
Explaining the data, Co-founder Christian Rudder suggested, “Beauty is a cultural idea as much as a physical one, and the standard is of course set by the dominant culture.” And considering the West is predominately White, his argument certainly has weight. However, at the same time, this would suggest that racial preferences aren’t hard-wired into our DNA, rather the culture we’re living in – which can be changed. But, are we willing to change it?
Reporter Silva Chege aims to explore the ways in which online dating has impacted racial biases and preferences, may it be by reinforcing them or eradiating them. As well as that, he’ll aim to reflect the actual lived in experience of people of colour online. Also, he’ll ask and try and answer: does having preference make you racist?
Intended radio station: Radio 1 Stories
Music: Copyright free from Bensound
Images: Copyright free from Pixabay
