Grammar matters: Proofreading your dating profile could lead to more matches

Online dating has become increasingly popular over the years, with it, the pressure to present oneself in the best possible light. One aspect of this is crafting an attractive dating profile bio. However, many people may not realize that language errors in these bios can significantly influence how potential daters perceive the profile owner's attractiveness and intentions to date them.

A recent study by Tess Van der Zanden and colleagues from Tilburg University in the Netherlands sought to investigate the effects of different types of language errors on dating profile bios.

The study examined three types of errors: mechanical, rule-based, and informal language. Mechanical errors are made due to carelessness in typing, such as typing "teh" instead of "the." Rule-based errors are made when the writer breaches a grammatical or spelling rule, such as using "Less" instead of "Fewer." Finally, informal language errors include using emoticons, abbreviations, and overly expressive punctuation.

The researchers constructed different versions of several dating profiles, each of which varied in the types of error they contained. Participants were then asked to view the profiles and rate them on criteria such as physical attraction, social attraction, romantic attraction, and dating intention, as well as the perceived attentiveness, intelligence, and warmth of the profile owners.

The study found that mechanical errors in the profiles were judged as a signal of low attentiveness, resulting in lower scores on perceived social, romantic, and physical attraction and a lower intention on the part of the participants to say that they would date the profile owner. In addition, rule-based errors also caused lower scores on perceived intelligence, resulting in lower judgments of attractiveness and intention to date the profile owner.

Interestingly, the researchers predicted that informal errors would positively affect the profile owner's attraction, as they indicate a warm personality. However, the findings revealed the opposite, with profiles containing idiomatic errors being perceived as less friendly and having a detrimental effect on the attractiveness ratings of the profile owner.

The study highlights the importance of attention to language errors in dating profiles. They can significantly influence how potential daters perceive the profile owner's attractiveness and intentions to date them. The simple take-home message is that if you want success from online dating, take care when crafting your dating site profile bio.

Avoid mechanical errors, be mindful of grammatical and spelling rules, and avoid using informal language that may be perceived negatively. By effortlessly proofreading your profile and presenting yourself in the best possible light, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and finding a compatible match.

It is important to note that the study's findings are based on the participants' perceptions and may not necessarily reflect the reality of the profile owner's attentiveness, intelligence, or warmth. However, the study does highlight the importance of being mindful of language errors when creating a dating profile.

The researchers suggest that individuals serious about finding a romantic partner online should take the time to proofread and edit their profiles, ensuring that there are no mechanical or rule-based errors. Additionally, they suggest avoiding the use of informal language, as this may be perceived negatively by potential partners.

In conclusion, the study by Van der Zanden and colleagues provides valuable insights into the effects of language errors on the perceived attractiveness and dating intention of individuals in online dating profiles. It highlights the importance of being mindful of language errors when creating a dating profile. It suggests that individuals should take the time to proofread and edit their profiles to ensure that they are perceived positively by potential partners.

The researchers intend to continue investigating the effects of language errors in online dating profiles to provide individuals with guidelines on creating a practical and attractive online dating profile. In the meantime, those looking for love online should remember the importance of language errors and their potential impact on their dating success.