Blurry gym selfies and heavily filtered profile pictures could soon be a thing of the past, according to new research from dating app Grindr, which suggests Britons are increasingly favouring authenticity and personality in their online photos.
A survey of UK dating app users found that more than four in five people (83%) believe the best profile pictures reveal something about a person’s character, rather than simply highlighting their physical appearance. The findings point to a shift in how so‑called “thirst trap” images are used, with users placing greater value on confidence, playfulness and individuality.
The research comes as Grindr rolls out new features designed to encourage self‑expression, including expanded options for sharing more revealing or “not safe for work” images within its platform.
While provocative or eye‑catching images remain popular, the study suggests users are becoming more discerning about how they are presented. Rather than staged or overly polished photos, there is a growing appetite for pictures that feel natural and engaging.
Grindr says the modern thirst trap is less about explicit content and more about projecting personality and intent. According to its findings, users often interpret these photos as signals of self‑confidence and sociability, with many associating them with a “here for a good time” attitude or a sense that the person “knows they’re hot”.
The platform also found that such images continue to play a central role in online interaction. Nearly three quarters of users surveyed said they were more likely to start a conversation with someone who includes a thirst trap in their profile, while more than half admitted they had retaken their own pictures after being inspired by others.
Certain settings remain particularly popular for profile shots. Bedroom mirrors topped the list, followed by gym changing rooms and bathroom selfies, suggesting that a simple mirror and good lighting can still be key ingredients for a successful image.
To mark the research, Grindr has enlisted former professional rugby player and model Keegan Hirst as a “thirst trap coach”, aiming to encourage users to refine their approach to profile photos.
Hirst is fronting a “Thirst Trap Boot Camp” at Mighty Hoopla in London, where attendees can take professionally shot pictures inside the app’s travelling “Grindr Bussy”. The activation forms part of the company’s wider Pride‑season campaign, which will tour several European cities.
Speaking about the initiative, Hirst said the most effective photos are those that strike a balance between confidence and authenticity.
“Thirst traps have always been about confidence, but the best ones aren’t trying too hard – they show a bit of personality and attitude, and leave people wanting more,” he said. “Refreshing your profile pictures can be a real confidence boost, and that can be the difference between getting a tap and starting a proper conversation.”
Grindr’s chief marketing officer, Tristan Pineiro, said profile images remain at the heart of how users connect on the app.
“For our community, a snap on the grid is never just a photo,” he said. “It’s a first impression, a statement of confidence and sometimes the beginning of something meaningful.”
The company’s festival presence is part of its broader “Grindr Rides Europe” tour, which aims to bring the online experience into physical spaces through events, performances and social activities during Pride season.
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