ABSTRACT

Online dating has revolutionised the way individuals initiate romantic relationships, with platforms like Tinder emerging as mainstream pathways for connecting with potential partners. However, the frequency of false identities and safety concerns within these platforms raises significant questions about their value and integrity. This paper investigates online dating, focusing on Tinder, to examine the creation of false personas and its implications for user safety. Drawing on a range of scholarly research and real-life examples, it explores how the anonymity afforded by digital interfaces fosters the construction of deceptive profiles, leading to incidents of catfishing and potential exploitation. Additionally, this paper examines the gamified nature of dating apps, such as Tinder, and its impact on users’ mental health, outlining the addictive behaviours that can arise. The paper concludes with a call for users to exercise caution, prioritise safety measures, and push for authentic connections within the challenges posed by online dating platforms.

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Online dating is the process of initiating romantic relationships using dating Web sites. (Toma, 2015). Users are required to describe themselves through profiles, where they can either directly contact friends, or allow the algorithm to find them a potential ‘match.’ “Research shows that about a third of recently formed romantic relationships originate from online dating, suggesting that online dating has become a mainstream modality for initiating romantic relationships.” (Toma, 2015).

“An estimated 50 million users in more than 190 countries, 10 million daily active users and over 30 billion matches, Tinder has become one of the most popular mobile dating apps in the world.” (Rosa, 2019). It empowers communities by offering the opportunity to discover potential partners without facing the daunting prospect of judgement and rejection in a public arena. “Tinder is an example of how dating has changed from a physical to an online space with a complex interplay in dating behaviour.” (Chugh, 2022). In contrast to traditional dating methods, it offers a personalised experience, connecting individuals who share mutual interests. This connection is often established based on one’s initial impression of a user’s profile. Tinder enables individuals to globally establish new connections that might not have been feasible otherwise. Tinder is a platform for individuals wishing for casual sex or hook-ups, as well as potential romantic relationships (Rosa, 2019).

 

Tinder uses your location and age to show your potential matches. You can see one profile photo at a time with a first name. If you like someone, you swipe right; if not, you swipe left. If both people swipe right, it’s a match, and you can start chatting (Tinder, 2024).

Within online dating platforms, your digital persona aims to entice potential romantic connections at first glance. Typically composed of flattering photos and a description showcasing personal details and interests, these profiles lack robust security measures to ensure the accuracy of information provided. Consequently, users enjoy a platform where they can maintain a degree of anonymity through false identities – a feature that appeals to both genuine users, and those with malicious intention (Rosa, 2009). Due to the feeling of anonymity, online behaviour is generally more liberal than face-to-face.

This conference paper will explore how Tinder has significantly altered the romantic scene by fostering an environment where false identities thrive. It will investigate whether online dating platforms like Tinder provide an ideal breeding ground for individuals to fabricate their identities. Online dating platforms like Tinder create opportunity for false identities, presenting significant safety concerns within the romantic community, ranging from the curation of false identities, fraud and deception and the gamification of validation.

Tinder does not guarantee safe avenues for those seeking love.

Online dating forums like Tinder may seem like convenient platforms for finding love or companionship, but they don’t necessarily guarantee safe avenues for genuine connections. This is particularly evident when considering the façade of curated identities on these platforms. Specifically, the term ‘catfishing,’ refers to a “person who sets up a false personal profile on a social networking site for fraudulent or deceptive purposes” (Simmons, 2020).

 

When creating your Tinder profile, it typically consists of quick questions such as age and height, as well as long answer questions such as “about me” and photos. Due to the vulnerability of profile self-presentations, online daters may feel they are unable to present their authentic self, thus leading to users presenting an enhanced or attainable version of themselves. Research into customer profiles found that “80% of daters lied about their height, weight and age. Daters relational status was found to be the most honestly presented, whereas their photographs were the most embellished.” (Toma, 2015).

 

The façade of curated identities poses safety concerns for users. Trusting someone based on a superficial online profile leaves individual’s exposed to manipulation and exploitation. In such cases, romantics may find themselves in risky or dangerous situations when they realise, they have been catfished. Catfishers may use sophisticated techniques to enhance their false identity, luring victims with tactics such as flattering language to establish trust.

According to the Journal of Paediatrics study in 2013, “30% of teen girls admitted they had met up with a stranger in person after initially meeting online.” This statistic raises concerns as predators seek these vulnerable teens for malicious intentions, including sexual relations and sometimes as severe as sex trafficking.

 

Law enforcement agencies use fake online personas to catch these suspects. In Florida, police successfully baited 50 men through catfishing operations. These suspects ranged from ages 19-60, including teachers, students, and businessmen (Lohman, 2013). Showcasing that online predators come from diverse backgrounds – including mutual friends. A study conducted by Lauckner in 2019, found respondents to have been “catfished by someone who was a real-life acquaintance, which resulted in feelings of anger and irritation, due to sharing personal information.”

 

Catfishing is not only utilised by sexual predators, but also teenagers as a form of bullying or trolling. Bullies can manipulate and harass their peers, often causing emotional distress and harm. Highlighting the multiple negative effects on both victims and perpetrators. (Lohman, 2013). When users engage in presenting false personas, it becomes difficult for others to discern genuine intentions and character. This can lead to misunderstandings, disappointment, and emotional harm when individuals discover that their matches are not who they claimed to be.

 

Tinder has reshaped how modern romance unfolds, but its influence extends beyond matchmaking. The app’s interface is characterised by rapid swiping and superficial evaluations of limited profiles, creating an environment where uses feel compelled to present carefully constructed personas rather than authentic selves. This pressure to impress leads to exaggerations and lies. Users resort to using misleading photos, tweaking personal information, or interests to attract matches. Consequently, a culture of exception thrives on Tinder, eroding the potential for genuine connections and diminishing the authenticity of the platform.

 

The well-known TV show, “Dr Phil,” discusses the case of an elderly lady, Gail, who was convinced she was in a legitimate relationship with famous figure, Post Malone, despite never meeting him in person. The scammer, taking advantage of Gail’s trust and longing for companionship, manipulated her into sending $3,000 monthly to him. Gail’s belief that “Post Malone” only spoke to her in a Jamaican accent to “protect his real identity” further demonstrates how individuals can rationalise inconsistencies or red flags in online interactions, especially when they are emotionally invested in the relationship. “$1.2B has been lost due to online scams.” (Simmons, 2020).   Unfortunately, Gail’s story is not unique, and many lonely romantics can become targets for romance scams.

 

Online dating forums like Tinder, despite their popularity, do not ensure safe avenues for seeking love. The anonymity provided by Tinder’s digital interface serves as a breeding ground for the construction of false identities. Unlike traditional dating methods where individuals interact face-to-face, Tinder users can hide behind their screens, shielded from direct accountability. The virtual barrier enables them to fabricate personas without fear of immediate consequences.

 

When individuals cannot verify the authenticity of the profiles they encounter, they become sceptical of the intentions behind each interaction. This scepticism undermines the foundation of trust necessary for meaningful connections to develop. The prevalence of catfishing breeds delusion and cynicism among users, further complicating the search for genuine love or companionship.

 

Once Tinder has been downloaded, users can synchronise their account with other social networks, potentially exposing more personal information and photos to others (Albury et al., 2017). Usually, a connection on Tinder is followed up by “stalking” the person to find out more about them. (Chugh, 2022). This linkage can increase the risk of victimisation, as it “allows perpetrators to closely monitor potential victims.” (Bates, 2023). Dating apps and websites also provide perpetrators with prolonged access to potential victims, offering multiple opportunities to build trust and arrange offline meetings. While many individuals aim to transition from online to offline dating, this progression carries a risk of encountering dating-related harm.

 

“28% of online daters have been contacted by someone through an online dating site and made them feel harassed or uncomfortable” (Pews Research Centre, 2013).

 

Several research studies have explored the safety measures individuals employ when meeting someone face-to- face after initially connecting online, aiming to reduce the risk of victimisation. These strategies encompass actions such as informing friends about the date location, arranging personal transportation to and from the meeting, and moderating alcohol intake (Campbell, 2020). A study in the US found that 61% of women, in contrast to 26% of men, regularly adopt precautions to prevent sexual assault when meeting someone in person from a dating app or website. These precautions include staying vigilant of their surroundings (73% women; 48% men), keeping their phone nearby (68% women; 39% men), limiting alcohol consumption (44% women; 32% men), and being cautious about attire (29% women; 11% of men) (YouGOV, 2024).

 

The percentage of men and women who adopt these safety measures suggests a recognition of the increased vulnerability faced by women in online dating contexts.

 

Anonymity in online dating can breed deception, creating a scenario where young people might find themselves vulnerable to interacting with individuals who misrepresent themselves. This anonymity allows users to create profiles with little to no verification of their identity, making it easier for them to hide their true intentions or characteristics.

 

The romantic community may be particularly susceptible to this deception. In the virtual world, it is easy for someone to craft a persona that appears attractive, or romantic. However, behind the veil of anonymity, these individuals may not be who they claim to be.

 

“Results from an online survey suggest that men are more likely to use the app for casual sex and relationships, and women rather for friendship and self-validation” (Lutz, 2017).

 

For example, a young person might engage on what seems like a promising conversation with someone online, believing they’re communicating with a potential lover of a similar age and interests. However, upon meeting in real life, they may discover that the person they’ve been talking to is actually a much older individual with ulterior motives. This scenario is harmful and potentially dangerous. This anonymity can enable individuals with malicious intentions, to target vulnerable people.

 

To manage these risks, it’s crucial for all people to exercise caution and scepticism when interreacting with strangers online. They should be aware of red flags such as inconsistencies in stories, reluctance to share personal information, or attempts to rush the relationship. Additionally, victims should prioritise their safety by arranging to meet potential matches in public places and inform friends or family members of their plans. By being proactive, they can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to deception in the online world.

 

The gamified nature of dating apps like Tinder can have detrimental effects on users’ mental health. “Tinder enables users to get in contact with numerous possible partners quickly and with minimal effort often basing their decision on pictures.” (Degan, 2022). By prioritising validation over authenticity, these apps encourage addictive behaviour as users constantly seek and match attention. This pursuit of validation can lead to disappointment, obsession and heartbreak when connections lack depth or turn out to be deceptive. The gamification of dating apps can lead users down a path of emotional turmoil and disillusionment, undermining their mental well-being and the potential for meaningful relationships.

 

Tinder’s gamified approach exacerbates the prevalence of false identities by rewarding engagement based on external validation rather than genuine connection. “Smartphone dating applications are thought to ‘invoke the gambler in us’ due to their gamified, compulsive, even addictive, qualities. “(Mackinnon, 2022). The app’s reliance on swiping and matching algorithms places emphasis on quantity over quality, encouraging users to measure success by the number of matches obtained. Tinder utilises data by monitoring online activities and location to tailor advertising. It also shares data with brokers and employs A.I systems for these purposes (Mackinnon, 2022).

 

Tinder can have damaging effects on users’ mental health. The constant swiping and emphasis on appearance can lead to feelings of rejection and comparison, fostering low self-esteem and jealousy. “As many people are using online dating to seek romantic relationships, they are aware of the emotional vulnerability that might accompany their efforts to find companionship and love. (Couch, 2012). Research suggests the swiping culture has transformed dating norms and found that Tinder users are more likely to judge potential partners by their physical looks. (Timmermans, 2017). Superficial interactions and the prevalence of ‘ghosting’ contribute to emotional distress and disappointment. The addictive nature of receiving matches and messages can consume user’s time and attention, neglecting other aspects of their lives. Unrealistic expectations, catfishing and negative feedback loops further exacerbate mental health issues. Obsessive behaviours and the erosion of self-esteem are common consequences. Users should be mindful of these effects and seek support when needed, prioritise real-life connection and take breaks to maintain a heathier relationship with dating apps.

 

In conclusion, dating apps like Tinder offer opportunities to connect with potential romantic partners but also create an unsafe environment for the romantic community. The online dating world encourages false identities and catfishing which can ultimately have negative mental health effects on users.