Honors Thesis Archive

Author	Maggie Keverline
Title	“Paws”-ing to swipe: The effects of inclusion of dogs in online dating profile pictures
Department	Communication
Advisors	Kelly Dillon, Edward Hasecke, and Katie Warber
Year	2020
Honors	University Honors
Full Text	View Thesis (582 KB)
Abstract	Online dating has become a popular source for users seeking love, relationships, or a simple hook-up. Tinder, among the various dating applications, is a tool for online dating where users are able customize their profile with up to nine pictures, job title, education, and a short biography. The date-ability of a potential romantic partner is subjective and influenced by a multitude of variables. While users show a variety of images showing themselves, a popular type of photo is that of man and dog. Guided by Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Warranting Theory Frameworks, this study discusses the effects of including animals, specifically dogs, in dating profile photos. Animal effects and Tinder engagement are explored to identify the generally positive effects and the effects of viewer engagement.