Self-presentation of males and females in an online dating application – a profile analysis from North India

Abstract This study was aimed to explorehow males and females selfpresent themselves in an online dating mobile application. We selected consecutive 50 males and 50 female heterosexual profiles from an online dating application in West Delhi (India). A descriptive data analysis was done for socio-demographic details, profile picture and selfdescription. Males present themselves with details about their work, and they tend to show costly items/body muscles/outing/sports pictures in their profile. Notably taller males mentioned about their height. Males also mentioned about the alcohol/smoking use and favourite music. Females usually kept a selfie in a western outfit with fewer details in self-description. Both the sexes were equally descriptive and used similar words in their selfdescription. The purpose mentioned by both the sexes was to look for a lover in the dating application. These findings can help in understanding the differences between males and females in their self-presentation on an online dating platform. Males presented themselves as wealthy, muscular, travellers, gym/sports lover compared to females