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Charlie Sarson鈥檚 research has always focused around gender and sexuality, specifically gay men. With dating apps a prominent part of many peoples鈥� lives, he used his PhD to investigate the online and offline behaviours of a cohort of users.

When it comes milestones, there have been a few unexpected ones that Charlie Sarson lists.

For example, being interviewed by GQ Magazine is a particular standout. 鈥淕Q got in touch with me to contribute to an ,鈥� Charlie says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice when you feel your research has transcended in that way.鈥�

The research in question has seen Charlie investigate such apps and a cohort of gay men invested in masculinity that use them, exploring their behaviours and attitudes both during their swiping sessions and outside of the apps.

Gender and sexuality

Charlie began his research journey at Birmingham City University, studying BA (Hons) Fine Art. He moved on to Goldsmiths College, UoL, for his Master鈥檚 in Contemporary Art Theory, but the threads of a research project were beginning to form.

鈥淭he interest to research gender and sexuality have always been there,鈥� Charlie states. 鈥淭he PhD project grew out of personal interest. I have used dating apps before, so I began researching how masculine gay men began using and interacting with them.

鈥淚 also spent time in prominent gay areas of London, notably Soho and Vauxhall. I wanted to see how certain comments and attitudes from masculine gay men made other gay men feel.鈥�

Positive study environment

When it came to where to study his PhD, Charlie had to choose between Goldsmiths and Birmingham City University. He reached a verdict after meeting with John Mercer, Professor of Gender and Sexuality at 黑料吃瓜网.

鈥淲hen we met, we clicked,鈥� Charlie explains. 鈥淲e developed a really strong working relationship. I got the sense straight away that there would be a real collegiate environment and I鈥檇 be on an equal footing.鈥�

Charlie then received Midlands3Cities funding for his PhD.

Investigating masculinity

Charlie鈥檚 research yielded a number of outcomes. Masculine gay men often used pictures that showed their torso as opposed to their face, highlighting their athleticism. They鈥檇 also veto colourful or emotive language in favour of terse, formal exchanges.

However, Charlie feels dating apps are not the root cause of this behaviour. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not responsible for these broader cultural practices, as you can find these behaviours in any area. These new platforms have allowed for some of these cultural practices to extend and develop.

鈥淭hey also existed long before dating apps became the norm. Some people argue dating apps are the reason why gay men are always single and unhappy and so on, but it鈥檚 not true.However, there are certainly cultures that exist on these apps that could lead to some questioning their self-value and worth.鈥�

Forming a PhD network

After completing his PhD studies and passing his viva, Charlie is now focused on researching and lecturing. He is also part of John Mercer and 鈥檚 Masculinity, Sex and Popular Culture research network.

When asked about one of his favourite parts of PhD study, Charlie says the opportunity to visit new places is a big one. 鈥淕oing to speak at various places was great,鈥� he confirms. 鈥淚 attended conferences in Italy, Finland and Denmark, among others, and I鈥檝e been able to form a big network which I can work with post-completion.鈥�