Feelings and data – better together? When you first think about AI, algorithms, and data processing, you don’t exactly get the romantic vibes. However, technology today can successfully leverage data to understand how human attraction works and pair couples together better than any old-school matchmaker could.
Together with Flure, we are going to explore the core of attraction psychology, learn about the ways dating apps use data for matching, and look into the future of algorithm-based matching.
The Psychology Behind Attraction
Attraction is not that simple. A lot goes into who we like and why we like them.
Humans are mammals, so there is no avoiding the biological factors, such as someone’s scent, and the hormones they exude, but also signifiers of health that subconsciously tell us that this partner is strong, can protect you, and is likely to breed healthy children.
Then there is the psychological factor. What values does the person share? Are their interests and lifestyles compatible with yours? Do you get a sense of trust and calm when you’re next to them, or is their energy chaotic and toxic?
Society also has a say in our attraction patterns, whether we like it or not. Whatever we see around us at home and in the community becomes the standard that we are naturally drawn to. That’s why so many kids from families with unhealthy dynamics grow up to be seeking the same in their relationships. Last but not least, things like being close to someone physically and having shared experiences also add to the mix.
So as you see, attraction is about chemistry, but it also factors in many other things that we don’t even realize, but the algorithm can pick up and use for precise matchmaking.
How Dating Apps Use Data to Match You
Dating apps collect data to analyze user behaviors, preferences, and interests. Together, that gives the apps the power to tailor people to each other and create couples that are compatible and connect on a deeper level.
The Power of AI and Machine Learning in Matchmaking
AI and Machine Learning (ML) technologies revolutionized all areas of our lives, and dating was no exception.
The vast amounts of data that technology can process means it can identify patterns, preferences, and show-stoppers quickly and accurately, making their matching accuracy unprecedentedly high.
Dating apps typically track who you pay attention to and who you swipe right away, how often you’re messaging with others and the response rates you get. The exact details and points in user behavior, preferences, and interactions that AI tracks depend on the app. Flure, for example, is using a slightly more advanced algorithm to gain more complex nuances, such as the conversational tone and the values that users share.
Something that’s important to remember with AI and ML in dating, is that this technology learns and improves over time. As we feed more data to it and give feedback based on the matches that the system generates for us, the more precise and accurate it becomes.
That’s why if you don’t get the best results on day one, let the app learn more about you, and give it time to understand your preferences and personality.
The Role of Compatibility Tests and Personality Algorithms
If the dating app is giving you optional tests, don’t skip them.
Those tests incorporate key psychological principles to understand what kind of person you are, what your attachment style is, and what type of relationships you thrive in. As a result of the tests, the system can understand the key personality traits you possess, for example, if you’re extroverted or not, if you’re conservative in terms of dating, or if you value spontaneity over structure and vice versa.
With an in-depth profile like that, the algorithm can match you with someone based on deeper-level preferences which, in turn, creates a better foundation for long-term relationships and stronger compatibility.
Regardless of your dating goals, you want to find someone awesome who will make your heart beat faster, right? This is the primary goal of those tests.
How Big Data Improves the Dating Experience
Tracking user behavior, patterns, and preferences on an individual level creates a better dating experience for those particular users. Doing the same but on a larger scale enables dating apps to polish and refine their algorithms over time for everyone.
Imagine you can scan and analyze the data of millions of users and spot trends, tendencies, and correlations that would be impossible to locate on a smaller scale. For example, the algorithm can spot that particular communication styles end up matching more often than others, and it can pair users with said communication styles and help them meet their perfect matches sooner.
The Future of Algorithm-Based Dating
So what’s now? Is the future of dating purely algorithm-based?
There will always be offline dating where people meet through friend introductions, randomly at bars and cafes, or in networking events.
However, the online dating world will be led by AI and algorithms. They are already proving to be efficient and helpful in finding great partners for people all over the world, and there is no reason to go back to simple profile swiping.
In fact, we are on the verge of implementing virtual reality (VR) for dating, as well as holographic interactions, and even emotional AI. VR and holograms will create a more immersive, reality-like experience when talking to someone and taking them on a date, while emotional AI will be used to analyze the facial expressions, text patterns, and tone of voice to pair you with matches not only based on how old you are and what hobbies you share but also how well you’ll pair emotionally.
Technology is constantly evolving, and as it progresses, it will continue to facilitate more authentic and genuine connections between people. In a world where we are all consumed by work, side projects, hobbies, and mundane tasks, it is a luxury that’s available to anyone to be able to find a meaningful and personalized romantic connection through a dating app.
Find a Data-Backed Match on Flure
How do you find a good data-backed match and start dating someone?
You’ll need a good, reliable partner that prioritizes your comfort and privacy. Flure is a dating app that promotes open-minded and sustainable dating, pairing its users with the best matches using AI and ML technology. Never tried Flure? Sign up today and enjoy online dating done right!
