Are you too good looking to date online?
Sounds ridiculous right? How can anyone be too good looking to date online?
Believe it or not, a lack of success when it comes to online dating can be because you’re actually too attractive. With easy access to cameras and photo editing software on smartphones, online daters know how to show their best side. But according to a survey taken by OK Cupid people would be better off uploading a candid shot of themselves and exposing their flaws if they want to snag a hot date.
The online dating service analysed data from its most attractive female users and how many messages they received from potential matches.
Researchers found that those looking for a date online are often intimidated by people who they think are beautiful. Therefore, they are less likely to contact them or will send them a more generic message compared to someone they think is more in their league.
Hannah Fry claims this makes sense if you take game theory into consideration: ‘The people sending these messages are thinking about their own chances,’ she says.
She also suggests that as well as intimidating the opposite sex, obviously attractive people are often given lower scores.
Fry uses the example of Holly Willoughby and Sarah Jessica Parker. While Holly Willoughby is often described as beautiful, Sarah Jessica Parker tends to get a varied response.
‘A lot of people – i.e. most of the internet – thinks she looks like a horse,’ but Sarah Jessica Parker would get more messages, according to Ms Fry. That’s because those who think she is attractive will consistently rate her higher than someone who is a classically beautiful. She adds: ‘If some people think you’re beautiful, you’re better off having other people think you’re a massive minger.’
What are your experiences of getting a date online? Do you agree with Hannah? Let us know your thoughts.
