Rules for success in dating app photos in 2020
Will posing with your pooch increase your chances of finding love online? Here’s what’s most likely to get you a date - and the things you should definitely avoid in your photos.
Lifestyle
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New dating trends research shows that men need to leave their shirt on, and hold a pooch or a baby, to get to first base when trying to find love online.
The research also found both men and women think filters and alteration apps used to enhance online dating photos are a big turn-off.
“These days, everybody is all about how they look in photos with selfies and Instagram and filters,” psychologist and relationship expert Sharon Draper said.
“There are so many apps you can use to enhance your features or even change your face. But the research shows that people wants authenticity, people want you to look like yourself.”
According to research from online dating site eharmony, posting a photo with a dog was most likely to get you a date (16 per cent) among both men and women.
A classic selfie (13 per cent) was the second most attractive option for women; and wearing sunglasses for men (14 per cent).
Women who were photographed smiling (10 per cent) were also considered desirable, and
being snapped with a baby or child improved dateability (11 per cent) for men, the study
found.
But the study found dudes need to stay clothed. Bare-chested profile shots of men proved to be unattractive (42 per cent), while straight on headshots were deemed the least desirable profile pictures for women (14 per cent).
Ms Draper said buff shots were often a red flag. “If you’re showing off your body, that might be a sign of narcissism. People are really wanting the person.”
She gave a similar warning to filter fiends.
Ms Draper said “filterers” often do not “feel confident in themselves” and would be more self-conscious when they go on an actual date. If your filter, she said. “you’re not doing yourself any favours.
She added: “People are craving connection and realness.”
While physical appearance plays a key role when it comes to finding a match, Ms Draper said
personality and core values are also important.
“You should also be able to talk to each other with ease and comfort, share similar goals and
dreams and have the same values in life.”
PHOTOS MOST LIKELY TO GET YOU A DATE
WOMEN:
1 Holding a dog 16 per cent
2 Selfie 13 per cent
3 Smiling 10 per cent
4 Doing chores 9 per cent
5 Cropped close to face 8 per cent
6 In nature 6 per cent
7 Heavily filtered 6 per cent
8 Wearing sunglasses 3 per cent
9 In a bar with a drink 3 per cent
MEN:
1 Holding a dog 16 per cent
2 Wearing sunglasses 14 per cent
3 Picture with a baby 11 per cent
4 Smiling 10 per cent
5 Cropped close to face 10 per cent
6 Doing chores 8 per cent
7 In nature 4 per cent
8 Sporty picture 4 per cent
9 Selfie 4 per cent
PHOTOS MOST LIKELY TO BE A TURN-OFF
WOMEN:
1 Headshot straight on 14 per cent
2 Sporty picture 12 per cent
3 Not smiling 12 per cent
4 Heavily filtered 11 per cent
5 Picture with someone of opposite gender 8 per cent
6 Picture with a baby 8 per cent
7 Picture with a group of friends 6 per cent
8 Holding a dog 4 per cent
9 Picture with someone else blurred out 3 per cent
MEN:
1 Bare chested photo 42 per cent
2 Heavily filtered 10 per cent
3 Picture with someone of opposite gender 6 per cent
4 Picture with a group of friends 5 per cent
5 Sporty picture 4 per cent
6 Holding a dog 4 per cent
7 Full body shot 4 per cent
8 Picture with a baby 4 per cent
9 In nature 3 per cent