This Report details the findings of a study that examined Australians’ knowledge, use and perceptions of the effectiveness of user control features (e.g., safety tools) on social media services and online dating apps. It also explored Australians’ awareness of third-party solutions for preventing, reporting, and responding to online harm.

The study used a child and trauma-informed approach. It consisted of a walkthrough analysis of 20 social media services and online dating apps, 24 online focus groups of one-hour duration with 102 Australians aged 13-74 years, and two one-on-one online interviews with Australians aged 18+ years of 45 minutes duration.

Research aims

This project had four key research aims. The first was to understand what social media services and online dating apps are most used by Australians. Second, to understand what user control features are available (or advertised as available) and what knowledge Australians had of these features. Third, to understand whether Australians use control features when using social media and online dating apps. Finally, to explore whether Australians view the control features that they know of and use, as effective.

Method

The study consisted of a walkthrough analysis of 20 social media services and online dating apps, 24 online focus groups with 102 Australians aged 13-74 years and two one-on-one online interviews with Australians aged 18+ years.

Project Outputs

Flynn, A., Wheildon, L., Robards, B., Vakhitova, Z. & Harris, B. (2023) Australian users’ experiences with control features on social media services and online dating apps: Key findings. Report Prepared for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Available at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/australian-users-experiences-with-control-features-on-social-media-services-and-online-dating-apps-final-report-may2023.pdf

Funding Acknowledgment

This project and Final Report were commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.