If you’ve ever been on a dating app, you know the challenge of crafting the perfect bio — clever but genuine, rewritten countless times until it finally feels right. But while bios are meant to make an impression, a new toxic trend is turning them into tools of deception.
From ghosting and bread crumbing to monkey-barring and shrekking, modern dating has no shortage of buzzwords for old habits. And now, there’s a new one to add to the list: bio-baiting — a rising phenomenon making dating apps feel more exhausting than exciting.
What Is Bio-Baiting?
Bio-baiting is the act of attracting potential matches through misleading or exaggerated information in a dating profile. Unlike catfishing, which involves creating an entirely fake identity, bio-baiting is more subtle — it’s about showcasing an idealised version of yourself that doesn’t quite align with reality.
Think of someone describing themselves as an “adventure junkie” or “avid reader” when those activities are occasional at best. While older generations might see this as harmless self-promotion, Gen Z has given it a name — and the trend is now gaining traction across social media.
Why Do People Do It?
Experts attribute bio-baiting to insecurity, fear of rejection, and social pressure to appear perfect.“
The pressure to appear perfect, unmet emotional needs, and low self-esteem often push individuals to curate identities rather than express genuine personalities,” says relationship expert Shivani Misri Sadhoo.
Dating app Happn adds that when likes and matches become measures of self-worth, users often feel tempted to “oversell” themselves in their bios.
Spotting Bio-Baiting
Experts suggest watching out for certain signs Vague or overly polished biosInconsistencies between photos and descriptions
Fast-tracked intimacy, where someone quickly steers conversations toward emotional or financial dependenceIn contrast, genuine profiles usually show honesty, natural photos, and balanced communication.
A survey by UK-based dating app Wisp found that 63% of users felt disappointed after meeting someone who didn’t match their profile — highlighting how bio-baiting fuels dating app fatigue.
How Dating Apps Are Responding
Dating platforms are now introducing features to promote transparency and authenticity. Happn encourages honesty through verification tools and options that help users clearly express intentions.
Bumble employs AI-driven Deception Detectors to flag spam, scams, and fake profiles.
Tinder reports that one in three users now prefer interacting with verified accounts for assurance of authenticity.
The Bottom Line
Experts agree that while technology can help foster safer interactions, real change begins with intent.
In the end, avoiding toxic trends like bio-baiting comes down to one simple rule — be real.