![Score Hits on Dating Sites By Showing Skin, Looking Aloof [STUDY]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/007N5uTW0IMEcyi6oz1M09R/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647018335.jpg)
Oktrend, the official blog of OkCupid, published an extensive report today that gives the rundown on the four biggest myths with regard to profile pics. Here's the points we found most interesting:
Myth One: It's Better to Smile
Apparently, women who smile in profile pics are less popular than women who just make flirty faces directly into the camera, questioning the credence of all those old adages about smiling and umbrellas and being fully dressed. (Just lay off the duckface, ladies, seriously.) Men, on the other hand have big pull with the ladies when they look away from the camera sans grin. So basically girls look for aloof gents in the digital realm as well. Who woulda thunk it?
Myth Two: Phone and Webcam Photos Are Uber Creepy
Apparently, these super los-res shots are not off-putting. In fact, the infamous "MySpace Shot" (you know you have a few of those) is extremely popular with dudes. (Posing with an animal is apparently dating suicide -- so put Mr. Fluffkins away.) Check it out:
Myth Three: Leave Something to the Imagination
One would think that sleazy shirtless shots would dissuade women from getting to know a guy-- digitally. Not so. Only the presence of a furry creature in the frame (aside from the dude) gets the ladies going more. Drinking in pictures is apparently a no-go. No word on whether chicks like guys who pose drunk and shirtless. (My own personal preference.)
Newsflash: Guys like boobs. Apparently women who show some skin get more initial play, however those who pose whilst doing something interesting actually get drawn into conversation. So I guess that means the web is kind of like real life, making this finding not that much of a shocker.
Myth Four: Let Them See Your Pretty Face
Apparently, you don't need to show your face in order to get hits -- I mean, hit on. Which I totally understand; I once fell for a guy because of his rad boat shoes. But, seriously, this finding is actually intriguing, seeing as how we're taught that the eyes are the window to the soul and all that.
Interesting note on the way in which the research was conducted. OkCupid qualified profile success for women by amount of messages received, while a man's success was tabulated by counting how many women a guy had a conversation with out of women he reached out to. That's right, classic courtship rules appear to be holding strong in the 21st century, with men acting as the pursuers and women waiting to be pursued. Personally, I found that a lot more shocking (and saddening) than the fact that guys dig skin and girls like muscle.
[Charts via OkCupid]