An Examination of Language Use in Online Dating Profiles

This paper contributes to the study of self-presentation in online dating systems by performing a factor analysis on the text portions of online profiles. Findings include a similarity in the overall factor structures between male and female profiles, including use of tentative words by men. Contrasts between sexes were also found in a cluster analysis of the profiles using their factor scores. Finally, we also found similarities in frequent words used by the gender groups.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2009
• Where: ICWSM
• Authors: Meenakshi Nagarajan, Marti A. Hearst
• Keywords: Factor Analysis, ICWSM 2009, Internet Technology, Online Dating Systems, Overall Factor Structures