Online research reveals desire among male online daters for enhanced intoxication
In a recent study published in "PLOS One", researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Charles University in Prague, the University of Manchester, and an unspecified institution examined the behaviour of people seeking relationships online. The study, which analysed data from a Czech dating app, found that gender differences in user preferences and perceived desirability significantly influence matching patterns on dating apps.
The research revealed that men tend to swipe right on women who are more desirable than themselves, while women usually pursue men of similar desirability. This pattern is largely due to rejections by the more desirable partner. Successful matches tend to occur between people with comparable levels of desirability, with rejection shaping these outcomes more than initial preferences.
Women generally rank higher in desirability partly because there are more male than female users, giving women more choice and influence in the matching market. In terms of preferences, women place greater importance on shared values such as family, politics, and religion compared to men. Men, on the other hand, emphasize physical attractiveness more.
These gendered patterns reflect different strategies and priorities: men often aim high based on physical desirability, while women weigh social and personal compatibility factors more heavily. This dynamic shapes who gets matched successfully.
The team accounted for this gender imbalance in their results by standardizing them based on the number of users of the opposite sex. Men, on average, contacted women who were more desirable than themselves, while women received more 'likes' due to the app's gender imbalance. The app had a significantly higher number of men than women.
The study noted that successful matches tended to align more with women's preferences than men's. However, it did not record users' motivations for using the platform, which can vary greatly from seeking a one-night stand to looking for a long-term relationship.
The researchers called for further research on other dating apps with more sophisticated algorithms, as online dating becomes increasingly popular. They emphasized the need to understand these patterns to help users navigate the online dating landscape more effectively.
- The research also sheds light on users' preferences in the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, as women often prioritize shared values such as family and religion over physical attractiveness.
- In the context of relationships and love-and-dating, the study found that the science of matching on dating apps is significantly influenced by mental-health factors, such as rejections and self-perceived desirability.
- As online dating continues to be a popular lifestyle choice, understanding the dynamics of matching patterns, especially in terms of gender-based preferences, can contribute to improving mental-health outcomes and overall well-being for users seeking relationships.
