Speaker: Lik Sam Chan, Lecturer, University of Sydney
Momo, Blued, Aloha, Rela, Lesdo. These were, once upon a time, some of the most popular mobile dating apps in China. In this book talk, Lik Sam Chan dissects how urban life and dating apps shape each other in the context of southern China. The narratives explored include straight women migrating from villages to metropolitan areas, straight men navigating the pressure to showcase wealth in a highly capitalized environment, queer men envisioning a more equitable future in urban politics, and queer women seeking community despite their invisibility in the city. These dynamics are reflected in diverse interpretations and interactions on dating apps. My concept of “networked sexual publics” underscores that such publics are always regionally specific. Consequently, the use of dating apps—or communication technology more broadly—must be understood through the lens of local contexts and cultural concepts.

Dr. Lik Sam Chan is a Lecturer in Digital Cultures at the University of Sydney’s Discipline of Media and Communications and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Journalism and Communication. His research focuses on the intersections of digital platforms, gender and sexuality, and culture. His first book, The Politics of Dating Apps (MIT Press, 2021), explores dating app culture in China across diverse user demographics. His work has been cited by international media outlets, including the BBC and Rest of World.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://mit.zoom.us/j/98722032936