Is lying about yourself on a dating app ever acceptable?

A debate has broken out over whether it’s ever OK to lie about details like your height and weight on dating platforms.

While dating apps and websites like Match.com, Hinge and Bumble allow users to volunteer their credentials to potential suitors, not everyone tells the truth.

The temptation to add a couple of inches to your height, or deduct a couple of years from your age, is clear, particularly with the fast-paced, often appearance-led nature of these platforms.

However, potential dates might take issue with this “lying” behaviour once the truth becomes clear.

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Just yesterday, popular app Tinder caused outrage on social media with an April Fool’s Day prank that it would be introducing a “height verification” tool.

It even prompted some users to suggest there should be a “weight verification” tool, too.

But is it so wrong to tell a little white lie – or even a big whopper – on dating apps?

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The debate raged on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’ today, with television presenter and former glamour model Melinda Messenger saying the lying would be an “alarm bell” for her.

She told viewers: “The lie for me would be an alarm bell, because what’s wrong with who you are, whatever size you are?”.

However, actor Richard Blackwood – who was also on this morning’s show – felt Melinda was missing the point.

“Social media there’s a lot of pressure. The fact that on Tinder, you can do that [he mimed swiping], it shows how quick and instant people are, so you have got to do something to grab their attention.”

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“You are without a doubt, beautiful, you were a model. We take things we granted that we don’t need to necessarily lie about how we look,” he added.

“Melinda, what they want is to just get in the room,” offered ‘Good Morning Britain’ host Susanna Reid.

Eugenie Legender, a representative for dating app Happn, has also weighed in on the debate.

She told Yahoo UK: “We have always advised not to lie on dating apps in general.

“We recommend that you never lie about your age, job situation, or look because when you do get to go on a date, you want it to be true and start on an authentic basis.

“If there’s any lies, it’s a waste of time on both parties. It’s better to connect with someone who likes you for who you really are.

“Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not; it will only have a negative impact in the long run and is deceptive to your potential date.

“You wouldn’t like it if you’ve got yourself a date but when you see the person they look nothing like the picture on their profile or have lied about their life.”

While some use dating platforms to lie about their height, weight or age, others take advantage of online platforms to disguise their own identity.

Earlier this year, a man told Yahoo UK how he became embroiled in a three year long catfishing nightmare after meeting a woman on Facebook.