Millions around the world using dating profiles or apps to find their life partner end up disillusioned or disappointed with the results. Obviously, there is some flaw in this 21st century method to find that elusive Mr. or Ms. Right. After extensive study, researchers have advocated an approach governed more by scientific analysis of the human psyche and mathematics rather than emotions which would help many hopefuls obtain optimum advantage from online dating.
Apparently, the error committed by most with online dating is to let emotions overtake them rather than using a calm and collected scientific approach. Prof Khalid Khan, scientist at Queen Mary University, recommends that at least 70% of the space in dating profiles be devoted to writing about yourself rather than what you are seeking in a partner, an advice that stems from a study that such a profile spurs potential partners to approach you with less diffidence.
Men who have been unsuccessful in finding a partner would do well to heed Prof Khan’s advice that women tend to be more attracted to men who demonstrate bravery and are willing to take risks rather than demonstrations of kindness and altruism — a useful insight into the female psyche. An analysis of the human psyche further suggests that since people subconsciously tend to associate earlier initials with professional and academic success, it is advisable to opt for a username which starts with a letter higher in the alphabet.
After a careful scientific construction of the profile, the next rather daunting task is having to decide whom to approach from the thousands of profiles listed on the site and it is here that mathematics proves to be a reliable ally. The possibility that picking out one of the first people one sees can lead to missing out someone much better later on which can place one in a quandary. Instead of being swayed by emotions and approaching the first physically appealing profile, here too logic and reasoning need to be relied upon, using the optimal stopping theory to help arrive at the best option.
Using an algorithm devised by mathematicians, it has been observed that the chances of selecting the best date are maximized if one rejects the first 37% and choosing the next person who is better than all the previous ones. Users of this method reported that the odds of the person thus selected being the best of the lot were are an incredible 37%.
