310: Should I Fudge My Age in Dating Apps? | Feedback Friday

Age Dilemma

In the realm of online dating, the question of whether to misrepresent one's age is a common dilemma. Jordan Harbinger and Jason DeFillippo discuss the ethical and practical implications of this choice. They highlight that while honesty is ideal, the reality of dating apps often pressures users to adjust their profiles to fit search algorithms. Harbinger notes, "If you lie about this, you're starting relationships off on a lie and that's bad and there won't be trust." However, he acknowledges that many feel compelled to lie to avoid being filtered out by age criteria 1 2.

   

Algorithm Issues

The challenges posed by dating app algorithms often lead users to consider deception as a strategy. Jordan Harbinger explains that these algorithms can misrepresent potential matches due to rigid criteria, prompting some to lie to improve their visibility. He argues that while lying is not morally defensible, it is understandable from a practical standpoint. Harbinger states, "People, for the most part, don't lie because they're bad folks...they fib because they're just insecure." This insecurity stems from the fear of being excluded from potential matches before even meeting them 2 3.