Elisabeth Timmermans

Dr. Elisabeth Timmermans is a Visiting Fellow at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Department of Media and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is a postdoctoral researcher supported by the LEaDing Fellows scholarship and holds a PhD in social sciences from KU Leuven, Belgium (2017).

Her research centers on the influence of new media on romantic relationships, particularly focusing on mobile dating applications like Tinder. She investigates how these platforms affect relationship development, maintenance, and dissolution, with expertise in user motives, outcomes, ghosting, and infidelity. Her work bridges academic research and public discourse, notably through her popular science book Liefde in tijden van Tinder (Love in the Time of Tinder).

Her recent publications explore themes such as attachment orientation, well-being, partner preferences during the pandemic, and the psychological effects of swiping culture. The articles reflect strong interdisciplinary engagement with psychology, communication, and digital media studies, often employing longitudinal and quantitative methods. Her research has been widely disseminated, with significant attention in academic metrics, social media, and policy discussions.

Scientific Awards:

• Top 4 Student Paper Award, Mass Communication Division, International Communication Association (2017)

Dr. Timmermans is an active mentor and collaborator, contributing to datasets and multidisciplinary projects. She has delivered professional and popular talks on digital relationships and sexuality. She also engages the public through media contributions and social media (@DrCarpenters). Though no formal advising of students is listed, her collaborative work suggests engagement with early-career researchers. She maintains a personal website (www.liefdeintijdenvantinder.be) showcasing her findings.

She has participated in public engagement through multiple press appearances and oral presentations, discussing topics such as algorithmic bias in dating apps and modern love failures. Her research has been cited in policy sources and widely shared across news outlets and social platforms.