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‘Swipe Bait’ Is Ruining Your Chances of Finding Your Person

The less honest you are on dating apps, the less likely you are to match with people who actually suit you, your lifestyle, and your values.

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You’ve likely heard of the popular term “rage bait,” which is behavior or content specifically intended to trigger anger in a given audience. But what about the concept of “swipe bait”?

Swipe baiting runs rampant on dating apps, where many people put their best foot forward, sharing what they believe will secure the most matches. Think: photos with cute dogs that aren’t actually yours, staged pictures with a baby to make you seem softer than you really are, or content of you hiking even though you absolutely hate the outdoors.

Many dating app users are tired of the subtle lies from their matches, without realizing they’re likely doing the same in return. Swipe baiting is an incredibly common form of validation-seeking, but beneath it lurks a deeper, more nuanced truth.

What Is ‘Swipe Baiting’?

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