Malthe Sebastian Rye Thomsen

Malthe Sebastian Rye Thomsen is a PhD Fellow at the Department of Communication, University of Copenhagen, under the Faculty of Social Sciences. His research investigates how digital technologies mediate romantic experiences among young adults, with a focus on online dating, emotional dynamics, and the cultural implications of app-based relationships.

His research interests include:

• Digital intimacy and mediated relationships
• Phenomenology of love and technology
• Youth subjectivity and romantic disillusionment
• Online dating culture in Nordic societies
• Societal impacts of dating apps
• Emotional labor and identity in digital romance

Thomsen's recent publications explore themes such as ghosting, swiping, hope, and existential longing in digital dating environments. His work combines qualitative and phenomenological methods, often drawing on interviews and ethnographic insights. He has contributed to journals like Dansk Sociologi and Jordens Folk, and has submitted work to Convergence. His research output shows a strong focus on the emotional and existential dimensions of digital love, complementing structural critiques with micro-level personal experiences.

He has been actively involved in public discourse, with 30 media appearances discussing contemporary dating culture, including topics such as algorithmic matchmaking, Gen Z dating behaviors, and the resurgence of traditional dating trends. His media engagement reflects a commitment to bridging academic research with public understanding.

Thomsen collaborates with researchers such as G. Balling, T. L. Schreiber, and P. Poder. While no formal advising or grant information is listed, his work appears to be embedded in broader research initiatives on digital culture and communication at the University of Copenhagen.