Experiences of people with visual impairments in online dating platforms

Abstract

Online dating platforms have become a popular way of engaging in romantic relationships. However, they are primarily designed for visual interaction, creating barriers for those who engage with the world through non-visual modes of perception. This raises important concerns about digital inclusion and how platform design may reproduce ableist assumptions about desirability, visibility, and participation. Despite the growing prevalence of online dating, experiences of people with visual impairments within these environments remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the lived experiences of visually impaired individuals navigating online dating platforms. Grounded in crip theory and located within an interpretivist paradigm, the research adopts a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological approach. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with visually impaired participants and analysed using thematic analysis to explore patterns of meaning across their experiences. The findings indicate that participants encounter significant structural barriers, including inaccessible interfaces, reliance on image-based interaction, and limited compatibility with assistive technologies. These challenges contribute to exclusion and reduced participation. Simultaneously, participants demonstrate agency by adapting their practices, prioritising non-visual forms of communication such as voice, tone, and narrative to foster connection and intimacy. These strategies both respond to and challenge dominant visual norms embedded within digital dating environments. The study contributes to disability studies and digital sociology by highlighting the intersection of technology, embodiment, and social norms in shaping online dating experiences. It argues that enhancing inclusion requires technical accessibility and a broader reconsideration of cultural assumptions underpinning digital intimacy. The findings offer insights for the development of more inclusive and equitable online platforms that accommodate various ways of engaging and connecting.