PlentyOfFish (POF) has become the first online dating platform to ban Snapchat-style face filters on profile pictures.
The technical team is currently undertaking an audit of the 70+ million pictures on its database to detect those which have been edited. It is hoped that the check will be completed before the end of 2019.
The move came after the company surveyed more than 2,000 users and found that the majority wanted more authenticity when dating.
52% of respondents felt filters needed to be banned, while 30% admitted to not messaging a potential date because they used one.
The report showed that people who have filters on their dating profile appear deceptive, insecure and superficial.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Cortney Warren said to POF in a statement: “Singles today are craving greater transparency in dating, with the large majority of singles wanting honest, straight-forward information both from potential partners, as well as in their own self-presentation.
“The truth is, singles want more honest, authentic depictions of others and themselves on dating apps. A more realistic portrayal of each individual will not only be refreshing, but also lead to more meaningful connections.”
On the other hand, 45% of singles felt pressured to “embellish” their appearance in order to impress someone they want to connect with.
Earlier this year, elite dating service Luxy banned aspiring users from applying to the service if they had mirror selfies.
Visit the POF website here.