Perceptions of deceptive self-presentation in online dating: unacceptable or not? The role of gender and dark personality traits

Abstract

This study examined the role of gender and dark personality traits in perceptions of deceptive self-presentation in online dating. A total of 796 participants (49.9% female) completed an online survey and evaluated six vignettes depicting deception regarding age, gender, appearance, weight, social status, and relationship status on online dating platforms. Participants rated the (un)acceptability of each behaviour on a 7-point Likert scale and completed the Short Dark Tetrad measure. Negative binomial and gamma regression models were used to examine predictors of perceived (un)acceptability of deception. Higher psychopathy predicted perceiving deception regarding gender and relationship status as not unacceptable, while male gender additionally predicted lower perceived unacceptability of deception regarding relationship status. Among participants who did not evaluate deception as unacceptable, higher psychopathy consistently predicted greater perceived acceptability of deception, whereas lower education and lower Machiavellianism predicted greater acceptability for some deception topics. Chi-square analyses additionally indicated that men were less likely to perceive deception regarding age, socio-economic status, and relationship status as unacceptable. Women evaluated deception regarding age and relationship status less harshly when the deceiver was female. These findings highlight the role of dark personality traits and gender in shaping perceptions of deceptive self-presentation in online dating.