This research explores how users conceptualize misrepresentation (their own and others’) in a specific genre of online self-presentation: the online dating profile. Using qualitative data collected from 37 online dating participants, we explore user understandings of self-presentational practices, specifically how discrepancies between one’s online profile and offline presentation are constructed, assessed, and justified. Based on our analysis, we propose the profile as promise framework as an analytic lens that captures user understandings about profile-based representation through a qualitative analysis of their retrospective reflections.
BaymN (1995) The emergence of community in computer-mediated communication. In: JonesS (ed.) CyberSociety: Computer-mediated Communication and Community, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 138–163.
3.
BullerDBBurgoonJK (1996) Interpersonal deception theory. Communication Theory6(3): 203–242.
4.
CharmazK (2006) Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
5.
ClarkHH (1996) Using Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
6.
DescartesR (1960) Discourse on Method and Meditations (LafleurLJ, translator). New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. (Original work published 1637 and 1641.)
7.
EllisonNHeinoRGibbsJ (2006) Managing impressions online: Self-presentation processes in the online dating environment. Journal of Computer-mediated Communication11(2): 415–441.
8.
FioreATDonathJS (2004) Online personals: An overview. In: Proceedings of the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. New York: ACM, 1395–1398.
9.
GibbsJEllisonNBLaiC (2011) First comes love, then comes Google: An investigation of uncertainty reduction strategies and self-disclosure in online dating. Communication Research38(1): 70–100.
10.
GoffmanE (1959) The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York: Anchor.
11.
GriceP (1989) Studies in the Way of Words. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
12.
HancockJThom-SantelliJRitchieT (2004) Deception and design: The impact of communication technology on lying behavior. In: Dykstra-EricksonESchellingM (eds) Proceedings of the 2004 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. New York: ACM, 129–134.
13.
HancockJTTomaCL (2009) Putting your best face forward: The accuracy of online dating photographs. Journal of Communication59(2): 367–386.
14.
HeinoREllisonNGibbsJ (2010) Relationshopping: Investigating the market metaphor in online dating. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships27(4): 427–447.
15.
HigginsET (1987) Self-discrepancy: A theory relating self and affect. Psychological Review94(3): 319–340.
16.
LearyMRKowalskiRM (1990) Impression management: A literature review and two-component model. Psychological Bulletin107: 34–47.
17.
MarkusHNuriusP (1986) Possible selves. American Psychologist41(9): 954–969.
18.
MazarNArielyD (2006) Dishonesty in everyday life and its policy implications. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing25(1): 1–21.
19.
McLaughlinMLOsborneKKEllisonNB (1997) Virtual community in a telepresence environment. In JonesS (ed.) Virtual Culture: Identity and Communication in Cybersociety. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 146–168.
20.
RousseauDM (2001) Schema, promise and mutuality: The building blocks of the psychological contract. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology74(4): 511–541.
21.
RousseauDMGrellerM (1994) Human resource practices: Administrative contract makers. Human Resource Management33(3): 385–401.
22.
ScheuermannLTaylorG (1997) Netiquette. Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy7(4): 269–273.
23.
SchlenkerBR (1980) Impression Management: The Self-concept, Social Identity, and Interpersonal Relations. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.
24.
SearleJR (1979) Expression and Meaning: Studies in the Theory of Speech Acts. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
25.
StraussACorbinJ (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (2nd edn). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
26.
SwannWBJrDe La RondeCHixonJG (1994) Authenticity and positivity strivings in marriage and courtship. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology66(5): 857–869.
27.
TomaCLHancockJT (2010) Looks and lies: The role of physical attractiveness in online dating self-presentation and deception. Communication Research37(3): 335–351.
28.
TomaCLHancockJTEllisonNB (2008) Separating fact from fiction: An examination of deceptive self-presentation in online dating profiles. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin34(8): 1023–1036.
29.
TurkleS (1995) Life on the Screen. New York: Simon and Schuster.
30.
WaltherJB (1996) Computer-mediated communication: Impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction, Communication Research23(1): 3–43.
31.
WhittyM (2008) Revealing the ‘Real’ me, searching for the ‘Actual’ you: Presentations of self on an internet dating site. Computers in Human Behavior24(4): 1707–1723.
