Online Dating and DeceptionDating online is a great way to connect with others, especially for individuals who work busy schedules or work traditional hours. Online dating gives individuals the ability to have access to a large number of profiles ultimately making an individual's dating pool more extensive. Although online dating is common and very convenient, it may not always be a good approach when trying to find a potential match. Online environments increase an individual’s ability to control how they are presented, which ultimately increases the opportunity for misrepresentation and deception.
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Research has shown that an individual's behavior while using online dating sites may result in those same individuals presenting an unrealistic or deceptive image of themselves (Toma et al., 2008). Oftentimes, when people are face to face rather than online, there are various forms of communication such as traditional, verbal and nonverbal cues that may impact the interaction two individuals may have with on another (Guadagno et al.,2012). Therefore, an individual’s ability to accurately present themselves may dramatically change. In most cases, online communication solely allows for the exchanging of information amongst individuals in written form, which impacts the ability for an individual to display the various forms of communication previously mentioned.
Individuals who communicate online have more control and power over the way they are presenting themselves because they don't have to consider the unintentional cues they may be displaying. In a study conducted by Ellison et al (2006) that analyzed self-presentation in online dating, it was found that there were three different kinds of “self”: the actual self, the ideal self and the ought self. The article states, “the actual self are the attributes that an individual possesses, the ideal self are the attributes an individual would ideally possess, and the ought self are the attributes an individual should possess” (Ellison et al, 2006, p. 417). In addition to that finding, Ellison et al (2006) also found that 86% of their participants felt that other individuals who they have come across online misrepresented their appearance (p. 419). A study done by Brym and Lenton (2001) found that individuals who participated in online dating reported that they were giving false or misleading information to some aspect of their identity. The most common misrepresentation was age. After age was marital status, then appearance (Brym & Lenton 2001). Most people who date online describe themselves as their ideal selves, the way they want to be, which may result in discrepancies or a lack of compatibility between potential online matches. For example, an individual might present themselves as young, single and tall; but in reality, they are married, middle aged and short.
Individuals who communicate online have more control and power over the way they are presenting themselves because they don't have to consider the unintentional cues they may be displaying. In a study conducted by Ellison et al (2006) that analyzed self-presentation in online dating, it was found that there were three different kinds of “self”: the actual self, the ideal self and the ought self. The article states, “the actual self are the attributes that an individual possesses, the ideal self are the attributes an individual would ideally possess, and the ought self are the attributes an individual should possess” (Ellison et al, 2006, p. 417). In addition to that finding, Ellison et al (2006) also found that 86% of their participants felt that other individuals who they have come across online misrepresented their appearance (p. 419). A study done by Brym and Lenton (2001) found that individuals who participated in online dating reported that they were giving false or misleading information to some aspect of their identity. The most common misrepresentation was age. After age was marital status, then appearance (Brym & Lenton 2001). Most people who date online describe themselves as their ideal selves, the way they want to be, which may result in discrepancies or a lack of compatibility between potential online matches. For example, an individual might present themselves as young, single and tall; but in reality, they are married, middle aged and short.
Toma and Hancock (2009) found that a third of female profile pictures were less accurate and more likely to have inconsistencies such as photoshop and retouching. These self-presentational choices are oftentimes a result of an underlying want to appear as attractive as possible in order to be noticed by potential mates. Contrary to descriptions such as “I am 120lbs” or “I am 5 feet 8 inches tall” that could be easily verified, judgements about accuracy in photos are oftentimes not straightforward.
Technical constraints may also enable misrepresentation. For example, prior to activating an online dating profile, most individuals have to complete a survey that contains questions regarding age, body type, zip code and income (Ellison et al, 426). More specifically, a popular online dating app Bumble, requires you to answer personal questions prior to signing up for an account. These answers are important factors as they narrow the expansive pool of potential profiles that may be compatible. In result, this may encourage some individuals to change their information to fit into a specific criterion. Some people tend to misrepresent their age or body type for fear of going unnoticed or not being acknowledged (Ellison et al, 437).
Although online dating may be beneficial and convenient for finding romance, it may also be detrimental. Online dating gives individuals the ability to have access to a large number of profiles, which increases the likelihood of deception and misrepresentation. Many people who date online present themselves as who they want to be rather than who they actually are, which may result in a lack of compatibility between potential online matches diminishing the chance for romance.
Technical constraints may also enable misrepresentation. For example, prior to activating an online dating profile, most individuals have to complete a survey that contains questions regarding age, body type, zip code and income (Ellison et al, 426). More specifically, a popular online dating app Bumble, requires you to answer personal questions prior to signing up for an account. These answers are important factors as they narrow the expansive pool of potential profiles that may be compatible. In result, this may encourage some individuals to change their information to fit into a specific criterion. Some people tend to misrepresent their age or body type for fear of going unnoticed or not being acknowledged (Ellison et al, 437).
Although online dating may be beneficial and convenient for finding romance, it may also be detrimental. Online dating gives individuals the ability to have access to a large number of profiles, which increases the likelihood of deception and misrepresentation. Many people who date online present themselves as who they want to be rather than who they actually are, which may result in a lack of compatibility between potential online matches diminishing the chance for romance.