Online self-presentation refers to the way individuals present themselves and their personalities on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tinder, Bumble, Match.com, OKCupid, etc. This includes the language used, profile pictures, likes, comments, posts, stories, videos, etc., which can be manipulated for desirable perceptions or outcomes. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking potential partners online due to various reasons.
It is still debatable whether online profiles accurately reflect reality and influence sexual attraction, compatibility, and relational initiation. The following article aims to discuss this issue and its implications.
Studies show that online dating users prefer attractive, confident, and independent individuals who are likely to pursue them first. Thus, they create online profiles that portray these qualities to increase their chances of meeting someone interesting.
Many women post flattering photos, mention their achievements, hobbies, and interests, express positivity, and engage in witty banter to enhance their appeal. Men do similar things by posting muscular body shots, showing off accomplishments, talking about career goals, and making jokes to impress others. Nevertheless, this strategy may lead to false assumptions and expectations that could disappoint both parties later.
The type of online communication also impacts sexual attraction. Many people rely on messaging instead of face-to-face interactions, which allows them to filter out undesired traits using textual cues (e.g., grammar mistakes) while emphasizing positive ones (e.g., sarcasm). Such behavior creates unrealistic expectations and reduces the probability of establishing genuine relationships based on mutual attraction. This is because most messages focus on physical appearance, shared interests, and lifestyle choices, which can be exaggerated or falsified for desirable perceptions. Thus, matches often end up feeling deceived, leading to breakups before dates even occur.
Online self-presentation influences compatibility by revealing personality types and values.
Some people use their profiles to flaunt wealth, status symbols, or material possessions to showcase success and influence potential partners' interest.
Such displays might not reflect reality and fail to consider other essential factors, like emotional connection, trustworthiness, honesty, loyalty, commitment, etc. Moreover, users with mismatched priorities and preferences are unlikely to build lasting relationships based on inaccurate information.
While online self-presentation provides a platform for individuals to express themselves creatively and attract compatible mates, it comes at a cost. Users must be aware of the limitations and potential misrepresentations inherent in this strategy to avoid false assumptions and disappointments. It would help if they focused on substance over style and sought meaningful connections beyond superficial appearances and qualifications.
How does online self-presentation influence sexual attraction, compatibility, and relational initiation?
Online self-presentation can have a significant impact on the process of sexual attraction, compatibility, and relational initiation. People tend to create idealized versions of themselves online, including exaggerating their physical attributes, interests, and lifestyles. This can lead to misunderstandings when they meet each other face-to-face for the first time as reality may not match expectations.