Identity-checking experts 192.com have measured the anxieties of online dating, the lies being spun in cyberspace and how spelling mistakes and emoticons can make you look shifty.
A nationally representative poll of 1,500 found people lying about their age, address, job and marital status when online. The survey also uncovered a widespread back-ground checking culture, and fear of meeting people on Facebook.
Key findings
– 57% rarely or never feel safe dating online
– 13% never feel safe meeting people on Facebook
– 1 in 5 lie about their marital status when online
– 17% change their age when dating online, 22% will lie about their job
Robin Kramer, Evolutionary Psychologist at Bangor University says: “With many of us living in relative anonymity, reliable first-hand reputations are scarce. The temptation to be less than truthful to gain a dating advantage becomes greater, particularly in cyberspace.”