Most people are not able to start a serious relationship with someone else without first completing a social media deep-dive on that person. From looking through all their posts on Instagram, to reading through the comments, an online profile is usually the first place where someone will start forming their first impressions of a potential partner.
PDBY asked students a few questions related to whether or not the first impression they get from a person’s Instagram profile lasts, and if it has any influence on their decision to pursue that person.
Palesa Majake: 1st Year LLB
Does the first impression you get from someone’s Instagram profile last?
Yes, to a certain extent. It is important to remember social media is a facade.
That does not mean that I won’t throw my shot, because in doing so I can truly get a good perspective [of] the individual I am pursuing. If he doesn’t fit my criteria, on to the next profile.
Does someone’s Instagram profile (the type of pictures featured) play a big role in your decision to romantically pursue that person?
This one is a bit tricky because Instagram profiles are used for different purposes. Some may be personal and others solely influential. In conclusion, no, because some people’s Instagram profiles can be a deception of their true character.
From a dating perspective, do you think that someone’ s Instagram profile has the same/similar function as a CV?
Most definitely, because with what you get from one’s profile is the image you create for them, in your mind. If you post cars every second post, I’ll definitely remember you as a car fanatic.
Mapitsi Masha: PGDip in Accounting Sciences
Does the first impression you get from someone’s Instagram profile last?
Yes, if the person’s profile portrays a person that fits the certain criteria I want in a partner then I’d want to get to know them. For example, [if it] is evident the person is religious because they refer to a bible verse, that would make [me] more prone to interact with them as it’s something I’d want in a partner.
Does someone’s Instagram profile (the type of pictures featured) play a big role in your decision to romantically pursue that person?
Yes, Instagram has given a platform for people to get a read [on] you before they sign themselves up to engaging with you, just like how a potential employer will look at your CV before interacting with you. With a person’s Instagram profile, you get insight [into what] their character is like and if you like what you see, only then do you pursue.
From a dating perspective, do you think that someone’s Instagram profile has the same/similar function as a CV? Yes, in a way you feel like you know the person just based on what they put out there. So, by the time you meet this person you are already thinking “oh this is the guy who …”.
Lebogang Rampedi : BComHons in Statistics and Data Sciences
Does the first impression you get from someone’s Instagram profile last?
Definitely, I think to a certain degree your social media presence these days is so important in the dating world. The photos featured would be what draws attention and […] to a certain extent I believe your photos can give a ‘trailer’ of who [you are].
Your Instagram would allow one to feel capable [of approaching] or not.
Does someone’s Instagram profile (the type of pictures featured) play a big role in your decision to romantically pursue that person? Yes and no. An Instagram account does give a sense of who someone is, what sort of things they like, however due to social pressures people tend to hide their true traits […] from their Instagram accounts.
We tend to see this in burner accounts people make for jokes and videos to share with closer friends. People are extremely multi-layered so it would be impossible to understand who they are from Instagram alone.
From a dating perspective, do you think that someone’s Instagram profile has the same/similar function as a CV?
Definitely. How a person presents themselves is very important because as stated it is a small window into who you are.
I truly believe people should try put their best foot forward in this regard. Social media allows you to get a feel of someone before even meeting them and as the saying goes, ‘first impressions last’.
Features Journalist aspiring to obtain an international accounting accreditation. While slowly growing a personal blog detailing the journey of discovering oneself through the exploration of different ideas and topics. With hopes of traveling to every continent, getting published and achieving complete self-love.