Exploring the Dating Experience of Millennial Males That Self-Identify as Being Anxious in Social Situations: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

This study addresses a significant gap in the qualitative understanding of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in millennial male dating experiences. Set against a backdrop of increased mental health awareness and the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it explores the complex interplay of social anxiety within the realm of modern dating. Employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research engaged six millennial males aged 29 to 39, representing diverse sexual orientations, in semi-structured interviews. The analysis revealed four main themes: 'Societal and Cultural Baggage - Societal and Cultural Norms on Perception of Self', 'Navigating the Current Dating Landscape through the Anxious Self', 'Playing the Dating Game', and 'Game Over, Restart? - Post Date Evolving Self-Perception'. These themes unravelled the intricate interplay of internal narratives, societal expectations, and the influence of digital platforms on dating experiences, offering a rich, in-depth understanding of how social anxiety is both shaped by and shaped the dynamics of modern romance, including evolving norms of masculinity and the extensive role of technology.

A novel contribution of this study was the concept of 'internal movies' – a metaphor for the heightened self-focus and introspection that guided participants' dating experiences. This concept significantly advanced our understanding of how internal narratives, intensified by societal pressures and digital interactions, profoundly affect participants' self-perception, emotional responses, and interpersonal relations. The study also highlighted proactive strategies employed by individuals, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, to manage social anxiety, marking a departure from previous research that primarily focused on the passive impact of environments.

The study's findings underscore the necessity for nuanced, intersectional therapeutic approaches, especially for millennial males in digital dating landscapes. Future research, informed by this study, should expand to include a variety of intersectional identities and explore generational differences in dating to deepen the understanding of social anxiety's evolving influence across diverse contexts and age groups.