China Knows My True Face: Self‐Presentation of International Gay Men on Dating Apps in Transnational Context

ABSTRACT

Location‐based dating apps facilitate casual encounters, dating, and networking. In this study, we explored how international gay men presented themselves on dating apps in Shanghai, China. The overarching theme that emerged from semi‐structured interviews ( N  = 19) was navigating self‐presentation on dating apps in a new cultural context . Three interrelated processes shaped this navigation: (1) managing interpersonal distance, (2) negotiating the degree of outness, and (3) adapting to local attitudes. We demonstrate that international gay users employ different self‐presentation strategies based on the platforms they use, perceived distance from their home countries and families, their degrees of outness, and locals' attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.