Online dating has become a popular way for individuals to connect with potential romantic partners. Many dating apps use personal profiles that include a headshot and self-description, allowing users to present themselves and search for compatible matches. However, this traditional model often has limitations. In this study, we explore a non-traditional voice-based dating app called "Soul". Unlike traditional platforms that rely heavily on profile information, Soul facilitates user interactions through voice-based communication. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 dedicated Soul users to investigate how they engage with the platform and perceive themselves and others in this unique dating environment. Our findings indicate that the role of voice as a moderator influences impression management and shapes perceptions between the sender and the receiver of the voice. Additionally, the synchronous voice-based and community-based dating model offers benefits to users in the Chinese cultural context. Our study contributes to understanding the affordances introduced by voice-based interactions in online dating in China.

翻译：在线交友已成为人们结识潜在浪漫伴侣的流行方式。许多交友应用采用包含头像和自我介绍的个人资料，让用户展示自我并搜索合适匹配。然而，这种传统模式往往存在局限性。在本研究中，我们探索了一款名为"Soul"的非传统语音交友应用。与依赖资料信息的传统平台不同，Soul通过语音交流促进用户互动。我们对18名Soul深度用户进行了半结构化访谈，探究他们如何使用该平台，以及在这个独特的交友环境中如何感知自我与他人。研究结果表明，语音作为调节因素，影响着印象管理，并塑造了语音发送方与接收方之间的感知。此外，同步语音与社群导向的交友模式在中国文化背景下为用户带来了益处。本研究有助于理解在线交友中语音交互所引入的可供性。