Using pictureless dating apps: Affordance, self-presentation, and relationship development

The use of profile photos is central to most dating apps, yet some apps deliberately delay the display of photos. This study examines user experiences on pictureless dating apps, with a focus on Heymandi. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 Gen Z (i.e., 18–25 years old) users in Hong Kong to address three research questions: (1) what affordances motivate users to adopt pictureless dating apps, (2) how users self-present in a text-only environment, and (3) how relationships develop on this kind of apps. Findings highlight three key affordances: anonymity, which enables users to avoid stigmatization and prioritize personality over appearance; immediacy, which facilitates instant matching and real-time conversations; and specificity, which encourages users to initiate and respond to targeted discussions. Users employed three self-presentation strategies—self-promoting, effortless, and interest-based—to create appealing text-only profiles. Relationship development followed a three-phase process: matching, switching between social media platforms (e.g., transitioning from Heymandi to Telegram and/or Instagram), and, for most users, photo exchanges via other platforms prior to in-person meetings. While pictureless apps aim to reduce emphasis on physical appearance, photo exchanges reintroduced appearance-based considerations. This study sheds light on emerging dating platforms, revealing how they both challenge and reinforce traditional appearance-driven dating norms.