Study: Sexual Opening Lines are a Major Turn-Off

A recent study of 275 university students found that they perceived sexually-charged opening lines on dating apps in a negative way. These opening lines were especially disliked by women and daters looking for long-term relationships.

New reporting from PsyPost detailed a study of undergraduate students aged between 18 and 29 years old and what they believe a good opening message looks like. 

Participants were asked to imagine matching with someone new, and receiving an initial message from them. They were then asked about how a standard opening line, versus a sexual opening line, would match with their own romantic expectations and desires.

Both men and women viewed a sexual opening line as negative, but women more strongly so. Furthermore participants who stated that they are interested in a long-term relationship saw sexual opening lines as more negative than those interested in hookups.

“Although this type of initiation message is becoming a common tactic utilized by some when trying to start a romantic relationship, the current study indicates that these types of messages tend to violate recipients’ expectations in a negative way”, the researchers summarise.

“Online daters might choose to reserve sending sexually explicit content until they are sure the recipient would appreciate that kind of communication. Online daters who understand when it is and is not appropriate to use sexually explicit messages may be more effective at attaining their goals by using online dating tools”, they add.

It is important to note that participants were asked to imagine these opening lines, rather than seeing examples, which may affect the results. Additionally, respondents were predominantly women, heterosexual, and white, PsyPost highlights.

Dating app Bumble has taken a stance on sexual opening lines, deeming them as sexual harassment in their policy guide. “At any point in a conversation with a match, it’s not acceptable to send sexually explicit messages without first making sure they’re wanted or welcomed by your match”, the platform stated.