Gay Dating Apps: Smart Tips to Stand Out! GROUPE GAY GLOBE MÉDIA

Gay Globe Media Contributor

Carle Jasmin

Journalist Carle Jasmin explores current affairs and contemporary issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities. His work is grounded in careful research, fact-checking and the consultation of diverse sources. He strives to make information accessible, well-documented and attentive to the human realities behind the news.

GAY GLOBE MEDIA · JOURNALISM & SOCIETY

Carle Jasmin (Image : AI / Gay Globeç

In society at large, and for more than 25 years now, people have tended to visit online dating sites, and there are countless options available. Among gay men, examples include Gay411, Sniffies, Squirt, Grindr, Scruff, Adam4Adam, Hornet and many others, each with its own features and specialties.

Preparing an appealing profile is very important. Choosing realistic photos, writing an inviting description and knowing how to respond to people who show an interest in us is truly an art.

Profile Photos: The Art of Presenting Yourself

On dating sites, a profile photo is often the first point of contact with another person. That is why choosing the right one is important. Opt for a recent, clear and natural picture that genuinely reflects your appearance. A smile, good lighting and a clearly visible face can make all the difference.

Avoid heavily edited photos, filters that alter your features or pictures taken several years ago. It is also a good idea to include two or three additional photos showing different sides of your personality: an activity you enjoy, a trip or simply a pleasant moment from your everyday life.

Remember that your profile is not only meant to attract attention, but also to inspire confidence. Authenticity remains your greatest asset. After all, you want to meet someone who is interested in the person you really are, not a carefully manufactured image.

A striking example of unsuccessful profiles can be found among the vast majority of those on Gay411. Whether using the paid or free version, the profiles are the same. For users who have been visiting the site for several years, it quickly becomes apparent that most of the photos used in these profiles are the same ones that were there 20 or 30 years ago.

How can this situation be explained? I do not believe that members deliberately leave their old photos online in the hope of attracting the interest of other members. I think instead, and this is only my opinion, that when members abandon their profiles or close their accounts, Gay411 keeps those profiles active to create the impression that there are many members, when in reality there may be far fewer than the site would have us believe.

How to Write an Inviting and Realistic Profile Description

The description accompanying your profile is almost as important as your photo. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself, show your personality and give others a reason to write to you. There is no need to write an autobiography or come up with extraordinary expressions: a few well-chosen sentences are enough.

Simply talk about yourself, your interests, your activities, the things you enjoy and, above all, the type of encounter you are looking for. Humour, spontaneity and sincerity are often much more attractive than long lists of requirements. Also avoid negative descriptions, criticism of other members and criteria that make it feel like a job interview.

Do not try to invent a personality just to appeal to as many people as possible. If you enjoy music, travelling, cultural outings or quiet evenings, say so. If you are looking for a serious relationship, a friendship or simply a no-pressure encounter, be clear about it.

The best profile description is one that reflects who you are. Its purpose should not be to appeal to everyone, but rather to attract people with whom a genuine connection might develop.

Alain Bouchard, former publisher of Magazine RG, which featured a large number of personal ads—hence the magazine’s name, “Rencontres Gaies” (Gay Encounters)—always advised his readers never to exclude people on the basis of their appearance, disability, weight or race. He always recommended writing an ad with positive elements, even if that meant choosing not to respond privately to people who did not interest us. And I think he was right.

How to Respond to an Ad and Spark Someone’s Interest

Have you spotted a profile you like and want to make contact? Avoid the traditional “Hi, how are you?”, which does not offer much to get a conversation started. Instead, take a few seconds to read the person’s description and identify something that catches your attention.

A comment about a shared interest, an activity, a trip or even a little humour can make all the difference. Briefly introduce yourself, remain polite and show genuine interest. Avoid overly persistent messages, excessive compliments or personal questions in your very first lines.

Do not immediately send a series of photos or make intimate requests either. An enjoyable conversation develops gradually and should respect everyone’s pace.

Finally, accept that not everyone will necessarily respond to your messages. No response is not an invitation to insist. Online encounters, just like those in real life, are based on one fundamental rule: mutual respect.

My advice: Write as though you were approaching someone in a café. Be yourself, show genuine interest and let the conversation unfold naturally. A good first message does not guarantee a meeting, but it can certainly open an interesting door.

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Profile Photos: The Art of Presenting Yourself

How to Write an Inviting and Realistic Profile Description

How to Respond to an Ad and Spark Someone’s Interest

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