Internet dating is all the rage. And it is not for less, since the hustle and bustle of the day to day, work and family commitments and other circumstances can leave us a little isolated when it comes to finding people who attract us and with whom we can maintain a more or less stable relationship.

Luckily, Badoo (the world’s largest dating app with over 368 million users worldwide) has studied how we relate to each other and how the internet can be a medium for passion and feelings to flow. It is not only about linking people who want to meet other people, but also about evaluating their profiles, their interests and their preferences in order to establish the best possible match between users who really fit in .

Photos on social networks and what we transmit with them

One of the most interesting factors that Badoo developers have analyzed is the relationship between the type of profile picture that each user displays and the perception and expectations that this picture generates in other users, potentially interested in learning more about him.

In this respect, they have set up a team of sociologists and psychologists who, by analysing the hot spots in the users’ sessions, have enabled them to find out more about how the users react through our body attitude or gestures shown in the profile image.

We have therefore taken the liberty of making a brief compilation of the 7 most common types of profile photos and what the reaction of other users is .

1. Smile and happiness

One of the most common. People who have a profile photo sketching a big smile from ear to ear transmit joy, vitality and transparency . However, different studies qualify this issue. While men perceive women who laugh often as more attractive, the reverse is not true. It seems that women are more genuinely attracted to men with more serious and mysterious profile photos, according to different studies. In the case of homosexuals, there is still not enough data to know if the trend is reproducing.

Like everything in this life, there is a nuance to be added: whether you are a man or a woman, if your smile is one of those that conquers anyone, you will do well to show this cheerful and optimistic side.

2. Artistic photo (in which your face is not fully appreciated)

Be careful with artistic photos, because they usually have little hook . If you abuse the gradient, the blur or are in a pose where your face is not well appreciated, you will usually generate distrust in your profile photo. Users who see you will wonder: “why doesn’t he want to show his face? maybe he’s a difficult and inaccessible person with hidden intentions”.

An overly artistic photo, however, can attract the attention of people with a special taste for aesthetics and art, of course. But for the average person, you will not generate enough empathy or transparency for them to decide to communicate with you.

3. Showing the body (sexy photo)

It is usually not a good idea if you are looking for a medium-serious relationship . However, if your aim is to have sporadic relationships and you really feel comfortable teaching a little, it may be a good idea. In any case, keep in mind that this first impression that other users have about you can lead them towards a more direct and superficial type of communication, in which it will be somewhat more complicated to simmer the feelings.

4. Defiant attitude

According to Badoo’s experts, this is not usually a good option. If you show an elusive or pretentious disposition, you’re going to create a strange feeling in the other person, so they may not be able to connect with you or get to know you anymore. In addition, you can create a “creepy” image, i.e. you can frighten the staff and they may identify you with conflicting personality traits and generate little trust.

Think about it: do you want to meet someone who shows you their positive and optimistic version or an obscure and unreliable version?

5. Funny photo

Be careful with pictures that are too funny . That is, you can probably generate a smile on the other side of the screen, but they can also make you look like a rather superficial person who takes life lightly, which can give you an image of someone who is not very fond of commitment and serious relationships.

Avoid putting pouty or weird faces in your profile picture! Looking immature or frivolous doesn’t usually generate attraction.

6. Thoughtful and melancholic

Another type of profile photo that should be avoided or at least known for its possible negative effects on the other side of the screen . Giving a melancholic appearance can make you score points, since we generally want to surround ourselves with people who are vital and who know how to see the positive side of life.

It’s just a profile picture, you’d think. And you’re right! But users potentially interested in you are going to make a quick decision about whether you’re giving them good or bad vibes, and showing you thoughtful or overly serious or down-to-earth isn’t going to help.

7. Sportsman

It’s not a bad idea at all! If you enjoy playing a particular sport, you can show the world that great picture by playing tennis, basketball, gymnastics… Now, there are always certain precautions to take. Keep in mind that you must show your face clearly, that is to say, do not prioritize a photograph in which it is not clear who you are . Also, don’t choose a photograph that shows you too absorbed in the activity (if you’re young, no muscle showing or anything like that, or you’ll look too narcissistic). Choose a picture that shows you having fun and being fit, having fun, being cheerful and being vital.

So, which profile photo is more suitable?

As we see in these conclusions drawn from various studies carried out by Badoo, our profile image speaks volumes about who we are and what we want to convey to people potentially interested in getting to know us. Therefore, it is important to choose carefully and tastefully that first photograph that others will see and from which some notions about how we are or what they can expect from us will be generated.

Life cannot be summed up in a single photograph, of course . Don’t take anything described above too seriously. Choose how to show yourself to the world by being true to who you are, but also by taking into account these tricks provided by social networking sites with which you can get more and better connected to that special person who is, somewhere on the map, interested in getting to know you.