Due to the popularity of online dating, many people choose to meet potential romantic partners through these platforms.
It is essential to understand how they present themselves online and its effect on their success in finding compatible partners. This paper will explore how online dating self-presentation impacts perceived sexual compatibility and relationship outcomes.
To start with, researchers have found that individuals who are more attractive tend to be successful in finding a partner compared to those who are less attractive.
A study conducted by Connell et al. (2016) revealed that users who had better looks were able to connect with others quickly and easily than those who lacked them. The same study also discovered that the attraction between partners was based on physical appearance rather than personality traits. In addition, individuals who posted photos with smiles were seen as more attractive and desirable than those who did not.
In terms of sexual compatibility, some studies suggest that it can be influenced by an individual's sex drive or sexual behaviors.
A study by Culley (2019) found that women who described themselves as having high sex drives were considered more appealing than those who did not. Similarly, another study by Garcia & Reiber (2008) revealed that individuals who engaged in risky sexual behavior were viewed as more attractive than those who didn't.
This finding has been disputed by other researchers who argue that sexual activity alone does not guarantee compatibility and long-term relationships.
Research has shown that online dating self-presentation affects relational outcomes such as commitment and satisfaction. According to Gable & Gonzaga (2005), people who present themselves positively on these platforms were more likely to find committed relationships than those who did not. Another study by Liu & Chen (2013) found that individuals who presented themselves honestly were more satisfied with their relationships than those who exaggerated their qualities.
Some research suggests that social media usage may impact relationship outcomes. A study by Khalil & Loughnan (2017) found that excessive use of social media reduced marital satisfaction over time. This is because couples who spent too much time on these sites often prioritized them over each other, leading to conflicts and negative feelings. In contrast, couples who used social media moderately reported higher levels of satisfaction.
This article has explored how online dating self-presentation affects perceived sexual compatibility and relational outcomes. It was observed that physical appearance, sexual behaviors, positive presentation, honesty, and social media usage influence the success of online dating. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be mindful of these factors when seeking a partner through such platforms.
How does online dating self-presentation affect perceived sexual compatibility and relational outcomes?
In the context of online dating, the presentation of oneself can influence perceptions of sexual compatibility and the overall success of relationships. When individuals present themselves on dating platforms, they may intentionally or unintentionally emphasize certain traits that are deemed desirable by society or by their personal values and preferences.