Dating Apps and Social Media: The Blurring of Boundaries in Sexual Assault and Consent

Abstract

The rise of dating apps and social media has revolutionized interpersonal relationships, creating new opportunities for connection while simultaneously complicating traditional understandings of sexual consent and assault. The immediacy and accessibility of digital communication blur the boundaries between virtual and real-world interactions, making consent more ambiguous and vulnerable to misinterpretation. Features such as text messaging, emojis, and digital flirtation introduce new complexities to consent negotiation, while the persistence of digital records challenges individuals’ ability to retract consent. Additionally, technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) disproportionately impacts women and marginalized groups, raising concerns about digital coercion, online harassment, and privacy violations. The gamification of dating apps further exacerbates issues of consent by encouraging impulsive decision-making and reducing personal agency in intimate encounters. This study employs a systematic literature review, drawing from peer-reviewed sources across law, psychology, digital ethics, and gender studies to analyze the evolving complexities of consent in digital spaces. A thematic analysis identifies key patterns in how digital interactions shape perceptions of consent, focusing on factors such as algorithmic influence, social coercion, and legal limitations. By synthesizing interdisciplinary insights, this research critically examines the erosion of clear consent frameworks, the legal and ethical implications of these blurred boundaries, and the role of tech companies in safeguarding users. The findings advocate for legal reforms, enhanced digital literacy programs, and AI-driven consent mechanisms to address the emerging challenges of consent in the digital age.