Author: PLOS
Author Contact: plos.org
Published: 21st Oct 2022 - Updated: 5th Jan 2023
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Yes
Additional References: Love and Romance Publications
Summary: Dating profile text perceived as more original may attract more attraction as original profiles are scored as more intelligent, funny and likeable.
Your online dating profile is a short biography added to an online dating website, or app, stating who you are and what kind of relationship you are seeking and usually includes a picture of yourself. Online dating, also known as Internet dating, is a method used by people to search for and interact with potential romantic or sexual partners via the internet.
Originality in Online Dating Profile Texts: How Does Perceived Originality Affect Impression Formation and What Makes a Text Original?
A new study involving users of online dating sites has revealed a link between the perceived originality of text in dating profiles and better impressions of attractiveness. Tess van der Zanden and colleagues at Tilburg University in The Netherlands presented these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on October 19, 2022, revealing the features of "original" profiles.
Previous research has suggested a link between originality in texts-such as poetry and song lyrics-and the popularity of these works. However, it is less clear which features of a text contribute to perceived originality and how originality influences people's impressions of the writer. In particular, no prior studies have examined links between perceived originality and attraction in the context of online dating profiles.
To shed new light, van der Zanden and colleagues asked 1,234 users of online dating sites to evaluate the originality of text in several authentic dating profiles and rate the profile owners' personality and attractiveness. The sites included in the study mostly serve users over the age of 50. All 308 profiles used for the study were altered to preserve owners' anonymity.
(Article continues below image.)
Silhouette of a seated man and woman in front of computers facing each other.(Continued...)
Analysis of the participants' ratings showed that owners of profiles perceived as being more original tended to also score higher on perceived intelligence, sense of humor, attractiveness, and likelihood of participants wanting to date them.
In general, participants showed high agreement on which profile texts they perceived as original and which they perceived as odd; odd profiles were generally not considered to be original.
In a second analysis, the researchers analyzed the 308 anonymized dating profiles to investigate text features that may contribute to perceptions of originality. They found that text perceived as being more original used original stylistic features, such as metaphors, and these profiles also disclosed more and more concrete personal information.
On the basis of their findings, the authors suggest that crafting effective text in a dating profile may require owners to carefully balance novelty and appropriateness. They outline several directions for future research, including analyses involving younger participants and exploration of originality of texts in other areas beyond online dating, such as job cover letters or advertisements.
The authors add:
"An online dating profile text considered original boosts personality and attractiveness evaluations."
van der Zanden T, Schouten AP, Mos MBJ, Krahmer EJ (2022) Originality in online dating profile texts: How does perceived originality affect impression formation and what makes a text original? PLoS ONE 17(10): e0274860.
Original Dating Profiles Attract More attraction | PLOS (plos.org). SexualDiversity.org makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length.
Post to Twitter Add to Facebook
| Latest Love and Romance Publications | |
|---|---|
The above information is from our reference library of resources relating to Love and Romance that includes: | |
 | The Flirting Paradox: How Others' Attention Can Diminish Desire Why the attention your partner receives from others is liable to diminish your desire for them. Publish Date: 16th Oct 2024 |
 | I'm a Bisexual Drag Artist Who is About to be a Biological Dad As an openly bi person, having a child of my own was always a dream. For me to think of it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Publish Date: 28th Apr 2023 |
| Is Spontaneous Sex Better Than Planned Sex? While many people endorse spontaneous sex, there was no difference in their reported satisfaction with their last actual sexual encounter - whether planned or unplanned. Publish Date: 15th Feb 2023 |
| How to Show Your Children Love Relationships built on love, care, and mutual respect are essential for children to grow up feeling safe, healthy, and resilient. Publish Date: 11th Feb 2023 |
1Transgender Reporting Guide
How to write about transgender people.
2Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?
3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.
4LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Symbols of Identity and Inclusion.
5LGBT Awareness Dates
Important LGBTQ community awareness days, remembrance dates, and coming pride events.
• Submissions: Send us your coming events and LGBTQ related news stories.
• Report Errors: Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.
• (APA): PLOS. (2022, October 21). Original Dating Profiles Attract More attraction. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/love/1042.php
• Permalink: <a href="https://www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/love/1042.php">Original Dating Profiles Attract More attraction</a>