found to be more likely to have chosen a profile picture in which they were significantly more attractive than they were in everyday life." Both genders used this strategy in online dating profiles, but women more so than men. Additionally, the researchers found that those deemed less attractive were more likely to express deception in the areas of physical attractiveness such as height and weight. A qualitative study investigated deception in online dating. The study focused on four questions: (1) About what characteristics are online daters deceptive? (2) What motivation do online daters have for their deception of others in the online-dating environment? (3) What perceptions do online daters have about other daters' deceit towards them in the online-dating environment? (4) How does deception affect romantic relationships formed in the online-dating environment? In an online survey, data was collected from 15 open-ended questions. The study had 52 participants, ranging in age from 21 to 37, and found that most online daters consider themselves (and others) mostly honest in their online self-presentation. Online daters who used deception were motivated to do so by the desire to attract partners and project a positive self-image. Daters were willing to overlook deception in others if they viewed the dishonesty as a slight exaggeration or a characteristic of little value to the dater. Despite deception, participants believe that the online-dating environment can develop successful romantic relationships. See also Affect display Language expectancy theory Tell (poker) Notes References Axtell R. (1998). Gestures. John Wiley, New York. Burgoon, Buller, White, Afifi, and Buslig (1999). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 25, No. 6, 669–686. Burgoon, J.K. and T. Qin (2006). "The Dynamic Nature of Deceptive Verbal Communication". Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 25(1): 76–96. Finlay, L. (2001). Groupwork in Occupational Therapy. Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham: 43. Kleck, R. and W. Nuessle (1968). Congruence between the indicative and communicative functions of eye contact. British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology (7): 107–14. O'Sullivan, M. (2003). "The Fundamental Attribution Error in Detecting Deception: The Boy-Who-Cried-Wolf Effect". Pers Soc Psychol Bull, 29(10): 1316–1327. Wainwright, G. (2003). Body Language. Hodder, London. Williams, D. (1997). Communication Skills in Practice: A Practical Guide for Health Professionals. Jessica Kingsley, London: 12. Communication theory Interpersonal communication Deception