Online Dating & the Scientific Community

So the social science community has also spoken out about the problems with online dating. Much like my previous post, two psychology professors have an article published this month in the research journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest. The current issue features other articles that also delve into the promises of the online dating industry. And let's not forget that it is an industry--a "profit deal," to quote Steve Martin's Navin Johnson character.

Match.com has a 6-month deal for $16.99/mo that includes a "guarantee." I assume that's a guarantee they'll find you a suitable mate--according to their algorithms and 29 dimensions of compatibility. Yeah, right. Let's see, $16.99 x 6 = $101.94, So at a hundred bucks a pop times the roughy 15 million people they claim to have serviced (interesting word choice) since 1995, you can see how the numbers add up (I tried and my TI-83 came up with 5.19894E10, which means that either my math skills are still sorely lacking or that the numbers are astronomically high) But I think the point is made--we're talking big bucks. The capitalist in me can relate.

Bottom line is that an algorithm can only predict how two people (dependent variables) will interact when the circumstances (independent variables) are known. That is, when the situation is totally controlled--like with lab rats.

Not like the real world where people meet, date, talk, form a relationship, make love, argue, problem-solve, compromise, hopefully make better love, etc. etc. etc. (the real independent variables)

So the busy, lonely, socially inept, out-of-practice and curious will continue to use online dating. For 17 years and counting, sites like Match.com have made a ton of money working the matchmaking con, er game, er business. What a sad commentary on our so-called advanced society.

Good luck!