In a world of swipes, likes, and matches, dating apps have become the most popular way for singles to connect. However, with the popularity of curated profiles and highlight reels, the subtle trend of bio-baiting is gaining momentum.
This new trend refers to the users who manipulate their hobbies, interests, or lifestyles on dating apps to seem more attractive and appealing.
To put it simply, with bio-baiting, people exaggerate their lives on paper to look like they are living extraordinary lives.
But unlike catfishing, which is a total fabrication of a person's identity, bio-baiting is more about stretching the truth just a little bit to impress your potential matches.
According to experts, the necessity to make a distinction on dating apps is the reason behind bio-baiting. With so many profiles in the digital world, people feel that they have to beautify their lives in order to get noticed.
The very nature of social media also has an impact, as it encourages users to present the most flattering version of themselves.
Bio-baiting might lead to the issue of mismatched expectations and the that of disappointment which occurs when reality does not meet the grandiose talk.
Singles declare that they feel duped or even pissed off when they are introduced to a person who seemed perfect online but shakes hands and reveals the truth that it does not give what it claims to in its profile.
As this little lie is carried on for a long time, it can have a scary effect on trust and make the whole journey of online dating much tougher.
The growing popularity of bio-baiting makes us think about the level of honesty and transparency in online dating.
On the one hand, some argue that small exaggerations are merely a joke and do no harm, while others see them as a deceptive way that ultimately leads to less real interactions.
In the view of psychologists, the right thing to do would be to be honest with yourself when you are at your best but at the same time does not feel tempted to create an impression of yourself that is not true for the sake of establishing a relationship.
To shield themselves from harm, singles must keep an eye out for signs that are red flags, asking questions during conversations, and noting if what is said in the profile is the same as the conducted behavior.
The key is to be aware—when you know that people bait their bios, it will make you both more interested and more skeptical in your approach towards the connections you make online.
Though bio-baiting may just be the latest twist in the online dating world, it puts the spotlight back on how important it is to be real. It is not hard to argue that being truthful and having realistic expectations are the prerequisites to truly connecting with someone while the dating world is moving towards digital-first.
