Dr. Lisa Portolan is a Sydney-based academic and author whose PhD research at Western Sydney University explores how dating apps and digital technologies have redefined intimacy and romantic relationships. PhD Thesis & Research
Her doctoral work focuses on "Jagged Love"—the concept that dating app interactions are often fragmented and dissatisfying rather than fluid.
Core Findings: She examines how digital platforms have shifted dominant romantic paradigms and how users negotiate intimacy during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publications: Her research is compiled in her book, Love, Intimacy and Online Dating: How a Global Pandemic Redefined Intimacy (Routledge, 2023). Podcasts
Portolan frequently shares her insights on digital dating culture through various audio platforms:
The Slow Love Podcast: She hosts this series, which discusses moving away from "fast" dating app culture toward more meaningful connections. lisa portolan phd thesis podcast film event best
Guest Appearances: She has appeared on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to discuss the "shocking truth" about dating apps and their psychological impact. Film & Media Events
As a screenwriter and regular media commentator, Portolan bridges the gap between academic research and popular culture:
Raising the Bar: She has been a featured speaker at the Raising the Bar event, where she translated her PhD findings into public talks about the future of love.
Film Projects: Her work often touches on screenwriting and the intersection of visual narratives with her research on romance scripts. Notable Books High Maintenance Women - dokumen.pub
This event is designed as a multimedia salon that bridges the gap between academic findings and human experience, centering on the themes of her PhD thesis regarding dating apps and digital intimacy. The PhD Core: "Jagged Love" Keynote Part 3: Beyond the Audio – Film Events
Concept: A live presentation of Portolan's research from the University of Western Sydney.
Focus: How dating apps have shifted from tools for connection to performance-based platforms, exploring the "psychology behind the swipe".
Highlight: Revealing how global crises (like the pandemic) redefined our need for "Slow Love" versus "Jagged Love". The Podcast Stage: "Slow Love" Live
Concept: A live recording session of the Slow Love podcast, co-created with filmmaker Ruth Borgobello.
Best Feature: An "Open Mic" segment where attendees can share short, raw stories of intimacy, echoing the vulnerability found in Portolan's original PhD field interviews. The Film Integration: Cinematic Intimacy Podcast: The Hook Up (ABC) – Episode: "The
Concept: A screening of films that capture the essence of modern connection, such as "The Space Between," which inspired the podcast's creative partnership.
Panel Discussion: A post-screening talk with Lisa Portolan and local filmmakers on how digital dating translates to the "big screen" versus reality. "The Best" Interactive Workshop: Reclaiming Connection
Goal: Moving beyond the "sensational gloss" of media portrayals of dating.
Action: A guided workshop on "Slow Love" practices—techniques for intentional dating that counteract the burnout of infinite scrolling. Event Summary Description Theme Redefining Intimacy in the Digital Age Research Anchor "Jagged Love" narratives on dating apps Media Format Podcast interviews + cinematic screenings Key Takeaway Reclaiming power and authenticity in digital relationships The Shocking Truth About Dating Apps (with Lisa Portolan)
While podcasts capture the voice, film events capture the gaze. Dr. Portolan has increasingly moved into the realm of visual culture, and her involvement in film events is a fascinating new chapter. She recognizes that social media and dating apps are, at their core, visual mediums. Therefore, film becomes the perfect lens to critique them.
Another major deep piece is her work on "Digital intimacy and the paradox of dating apps." This was the core of her PhD. It was featured in:
If you missed the live film event, look for the recording of her Q&A following the documentary Love in the Time of Algorithms (streaming on Kanopy). In this 45-minute session, Portolan dismantles the myth of “infinite possibility,” arguing that dating apps actually reduce our scope of connection. It is her most viral media moment, with over 500,000 views across academic and public platforms.