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Topic: starts with profile pictures?
cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 03:54 PM
What do people think about "if the profile pic turns me off- then I'm not responding." Fast judgments are made?

What if the person doesn't have access to a good camera? Do people judge by pics first? I'm guessing the answer will be "yes" . Pics first.

Probably the next thing people look at is the age? Then possibly location is looked at? If people go this far then the profile might be skimmed?

I agree there is a tolerance level. Meaning looks too fat or skinny. Face may not be handsome or pretty. But are people loosing out or not giving someone a chance? What about what's inside?

I believe meeting in real life is the only way to know if either side is interested. Pics can be deceiving whether good or bad.

What's your opinion?


FearandLoathing's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:00 PM
In an online evironment it is a natural reaction. The basis of attraction online tends to be more directed at a physical level rather than emotional or social. Luckily for me, I'm absolutely nothing like the masses so I don't lose out on anything and make awesome friends along the way.

Pictures can be decieving, but that is the risk you take and accept when you hit the online dating world. Most people will always judge based of physical attraction first, then an emotional or social attraction last.

But of course, for the most part, I usually just write this drivle to no avail because no one listens. And, much like yourself, 'believe' it should be done differently even though through the history of mankind and mating it has never been done differently...I grow tired with these repetative topics.

horzman's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:02 PM
picture is a starting point, people like to know what u look like even if it's not a good quality pic "give or take few pounds and few years".

in the end the inner part of the person is what gets u to fall in love.

cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:07 PM
Thanks. My point was based on profile pictures and whether or not someone would respond to them. Think my post asked good questions. :)

MelodyGirl's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:07 PM
Edited by MelodyGirl on Wed 06/09/10 04:13 PM
Meeting someone online is quite different than meeting in person. The first impression is the profile picture - and it can be a matter of like or dislike on whether someone opens their profile.

Regardless of either avenue, initial, physical attraction will trump other attributes – generally speaking.

When you meet a person “in person” (rather than the internet), both people have a better chance of showcasing their personality. Their animations, smile, gestures, etc, will create an over all and more accurate view of them.

Meeting online is limited to a picture and text. It’s difficult for people to exemplify their tone and qualities via emails or forum postings. As you also stated, their pictures may not be accurate due to many reasons; maybe they aren’t photogenic? The process will take longer but someone who is serious about fostering a substantial relationship will invest the extra time.

The other attributes you listed are more readily available online, whereas, in person it may takes weeks to find out the perfunctory details; location, kids, habits, age, etc. An advantage to online dating is seeking what you want without wasting your time.

In the end, yes, people are wired to judge or analyze each other when choosing friends and lovers and it starts with a picture (or their face). Sooner or later, a person will find out how deep their intentions and unconditional affection travels.

no photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:11 PM
My attitude has always been that I will reply to anyone who writes to me, regardless of pic, etc. I figure if they took the time to write, I can take the time to write back and say thank you or whatever.

This doesn't always apply if they only wrote to complain about my profile!

As far as what do I look at in their profile -- generally, I'll look at location (to see if this is someone geographically close enough to possibly meet in person, which it never is) and if they have kids and if they drink. (Automatic deal-breakers there!)


cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:14 PM
Edited by cattails on Wed 06/09/10 04:20 PM
Believe people have to be honest. If a profile pic turns you off in any way most would not respond to a first contact by someone.

Like I said, there are tolerance levels but-- are people judging profile pics first before knowing the person?

Unfortunately on dating sites or others all we can do is post pics. We can also fill out a profile.

Real life meeting seems to be a thing of the past.

Atlantis75's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:18 PM

Believe people have to be honest. If a profile pic turns you off in any way most would not respond to a first contact by someone.

Like I said, there are tolerance levels but-- are people judging profile pics first before knowing the person?


Just like in real life. Just face it. We are apes and physical attraction comes before anything else. We would have to be robots to be any other way. It's pointless to keep pushing, if basic instinct refuses to cooperate.

FearandLoathing's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:18 PM

Believe people have to be honest. If a profile pic turns you off in any way most would not respond to a first contact by someone.

Like I said, there are tolerance levels but-- are people judging profile pics first before knowing the person?


Yes.

cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:23 PM


Believe people have to be honest. If a profile pic turns you off in any way most would not respond to a first contact by someone.

Like I said, there are tolerance levels but-- are people judging profile pics first before knowing the person?


Just like in real life. Just face it. We are apes and physical attraction comes before anything else. We would have to be robots to be any other way. It's pointless to keep pushing, if basic instinct refuses to cooperate.


Good point. :)

74Drew's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:24 PM
i'm a bit superficial. if i'm not attracted to a person there'll be no chance of a physical relationship.
so, if i don't like the pics, or if they don't have a pic of theirself then there's reason to stick around and read the profile.


. . .

motowndowntown's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:27 PM
On line or in person, folks are going to judge you by your looks.
It's just a fact of life.

cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:41 PM
I agree with most things said here. My point was based on profile pics. Not having a good camera, wrong angle was taken, etc..

Yes there are tolerance limits even in real life-- but pics sometimes don't do people justice.

If real life works the way people say then why does an ugly, fat women/ or man get with someone who is better looking then they are.?
I work in public stores and see it alot.

It's the inside that counts. Not just profile pics to make quick judgments.

motowndowntown's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:43 PM
It's the inside that counts alright.

Also some people just have no taste.

yellowrose10's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:45 PM
for a good relationship, it takes more than a pretty face. They have to be attractive on the inside too. But physical attract (especially online) is a start...IMO

Ladylid2012's photo
Wed 06/09/10 04:50 PM
I don't buy it. I like to look to and I have certain things that I'm attracted to. I am able to go past looks, I've dated some really hot men before that were arrogant azz0holes. Looks are not that impressive, just eye candy. There are other qualities that are much more important to me...

Now if a great guy is a cyclops or has no teeth..yeah that's gonna be a problem for me.

cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 05:01 PM
Edited by cattails on Wed 06/09/10 05:05 PM

for a good relationship, it takes more than a pretty face. They have to be attractive on the inside too. But physical attract (especially online) is a start...IMO


Unfortunetly dating has gone to cyber space and internet. Seemed easier when I was younger.

Now we sit behind computers, look at pics, read profiles, decide who we are going to pick and choose. People seem to choose and pick based on profile pics. Profiles may be read but think pics come first.

Still believe in real life meeting.


FearandLoathing's photo
Wed 06/09/10 05:02 PM


for a good relationship, it takes more than a pretty face. They have to be attractive on the inside too. But physical attract (especially online) is a start...IMO


Unfortunetly dating has gone to cyber space and internet. Seemed easier when I was younger.

Now we sit behind computers, look at pics, read profiles, decide who we are going to pick and choose. People seem to choose and pick based on profile pics.

Still believe in real life meeting.




You may get a rude awakening in real life...because it is identical there as well.

Ladylid2012's photo
Wed 06/09/10 05:05 PM


for a good relationship, it takes more than a pretty face. They have to be attractive on the inside too. But physical attract (especially online) is a start...IMO


Unfortunetly dating has gone to cyber space and internet. Seemed easier when I was younger.

Now we sit behind computers, look at pics, read profiles, decide who we are going to pick and choose. People seem to choose and pick based on profile pics.

Still believe in real life meeting.




It was easier when we were younger..we were young. It's a young society. I agree, I prefer real life also.
I think you have nice pictures and your very pretty...

cattails's photo
Wed 06/09/10 05:08 PM
Maybe real life is like you said, but at least you get to see and be with the person rather than looking at computer screens.

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