Traditional use of dating apps has always been about showing off, looking attractive, richer, and cooler than you are. Setting up your profile on a dating app requires lots of effort, filtered and digital edits, and an enhanced version of reality. But now Gen Z’s new ways to win genuine matches have changed.

People are taking a completely contrasting approach on dating apps to find their perfect matches. This is called “reverse catfishing”. It is a dating strategy where users intentionally upload raw, imperfect, and unfiltered pictures of themselves to find their match.


What is “reverse catfishing”
Reverse catfishing refers to posting unfiltered, raw photos and toning down your accomplishments intentionally to find the perfect match. This new concept flips the script on traditional dating app culture by ditching curated perfection and embracing authenticity. The users are prioritising emotional connection now over superficial attraction.

It involves keeping your profile as real as possible, without any false information, sometimes even highlighting your flaws. This approach seeks genuine matches who appreciate and accept the imperfections of the other person, marking a shift towards emotional connection and meaningful relationships.


Reason behind the rise of the “reverse catfishing” trend
A survey was conducted by QuackQuack, a dating app, from the beginning of April among 7,463 daters between the ages of 18 and 27. The users came from different regions and belonged to different career fields, including IT, healthcare, education, content creation, and more. According to the survey, 2 in 5 Gen Z populations are embracing ‘reverse catfishing’.

Gen Z daters are focusing on keeping everything real, and reverse catfishing is their way of just doing the same. They have moved on from creating highly curated profiles and are looking for genuine connections. Simplicity and authenticity are the key, whether it’s about sharing passions for fitness, foodie adventures, dance, or music festivals, concerts, or anything else.

Reverse catfishing marks a refreshing shift- not trying to impress someone by putting out false information, just being themselves. They’d rather find someone who loves them for who they are, accepting flaws and all.

"Reverse catfishing is still very new. We think it's a love letter to emotional intelligence. Who, other than an emotionally sorted and extremely secure person, would dare to play it down on purpose? It shows that young daters are more interested in finding the right match than impressing the wrong one. They are looking for more than surface-level attractions, even if that means they have to let go of their 'Insta-worthy' lifestyle for that,” says Ravi Mittal, founder and CEO of QuackQuack.

As per the survey conducted, 28% of participants preferred going for matches that don’t have a perfect profile picture and a well-framed bio that looks straight out of an AI chatbot.