Mediated Hook-Up

Abstract

This study explores the uses and sought gratifications of MoMo—a location-based real-time app, among Chinese college students seeking for hook-ups. The results show that MoMo users were motivated by two gratifications—sexual freedom and online inclusion. Results from regression analysis illustrated that loneliness was a strong predictor of both gratifications. Additionally, loneliness, self-esteem, and to a lesser extent, both gratifications significantly predicted patterns of MoMo usage for hook-up. This study has filled the research gap between the examination of youth-hook-up app relationship in China and the exploration of heterosexual college community's gratifications-sought from MoMo use.