Online dating profiles, first-date interactions, and the enhancement of communication satisfaction and desires for future interaction

ABSTRACT

This study uses an experimental design to examine the uncertainty-reducing effect of online dating profiles on initial first-date interactions. Zero-history dyads (N = 108) participated in a brief first meeting in the lab, where they were randomly assigned to either a dating profile (experimental) condition or a no-profile control group. Results indicated that profile viewing had an amplification effect on initial interactions. Profiles strengthened the actor effects of eagerness to communicate before the interaction, disclosure during the interaction, and uncertainty and similarity after the interaction on an individual’s own communication satisfaction with the first date. Profiles also intensified the partner effect of nonverbal affiliation during the interaction on communication satisfaction. Implications for uncertainty reduction theory and profile design are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• First dates
• online dating
• profiles
• relationship initiation
• uncertainty

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Savannah Ambrose, Janine Beer, Krysta Chotkowski, McKenzie Diehl, Annamariah Hopkins, Matt Mullin, and Kaitlyn Whyte for their assistance with this project. Also, a sincere thanks to Dr Paul Schrodt and the reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions, as well as to Dr Alan Goodboy for the use of his Excel template for plotting the interactions and Dr John Caughlin for his feedback on an earlier draft of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Preliminary tests were used to check for differences based on relationship status. Across 24 tests, women and men who were single did not significantly differ from those who were not single on any of the study variables.

2 It could be argued that the lab sessions more closely resembled a first meeting than a first date, given their short duration and the fact that some individuals who chose to participate were currently in a relationship. However, because viewing an online dating profile typically precedes a first date, and because participants were told to think of the person they were meeting as a potential dating partner, I refer to these interactions as first dates in this study.

3 Thirty-eight individuals were eliminated because their partner was a no-show for their lab session. There were also instances where both partners did not show up to participate, bringing the total number of no-shows to 46.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Liesel L. Sharabi

Liesel L. Sharabi (PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is an assistant professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. Her research explores the uses, functions, and effects of communication technologies in interpersonal relationships.