Online Dating Algorithms: The Science of Matchmaking

Two words that don’t look as if they bear any close relationship are ‘science’ and ‘matchmaking.’ Surely, the latter is purely down to being attracted to someone, so what on earth does science have to do with it? On a biological level, a lot.

The reason you might find yourself drawn to one person is down to many things, but chemicals play an important role in releasing hormones such as dopamine and norepinephrine, raising your levels of euphoria. But science can impact your love life externally, too, and even more directly.

Technological boffins - programmers - can create software that does a similar job to hormones. These are known as algorithms. They lie at the heart of digital dating sites and apps, and they're revolutionizing how we find people we're most attracted to.

The convenience of digital online dating

Firstly, why are today’s singles increasingly likely to want to connect with prospective partners via a web browser rather than face-to-face contact? The more you dwell on what’s involved in Internet dating, the more obvious it becomes that this is a no-brainer.

Let’s take the example of someone wishing to hook up with locals with romance in mind. Instead of wasting money and effort hanging around in offline locations such as nightclubs, it would be so much simpler, and convenient, to register with a matching website or app.

Faced with a virtually limitless treasure trove of potential talent, complete with photographs, detailed descriptions of their hobbies and interests, and contact details, you can see why this environment would be far more conducive to relaxing introductions. With handy apps that can be downloaded and taken with you wherever you happen to be going, touching base can fit into otherwise busy schedules.

Computer matching

These programs assess your behavior when you sign up for a dating platform. At its most basic level, this might include poring over your preferences after you've completed the registration process. Typically, you’ll have been invited to answer basic questions about the type of person you’ve come to look for, such as their age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, and so on.

The software can sift through extensive databases containing information about existing members, making instant comparisons. If you’re something of a wordsmith, perhaps an individual who appreciates how successful writing can reap dividends, then you can fine-tune your background. The more you can wax lyrical about your tastes – whether you're into tattoos, or people with blonde hair, or lovers of Spanish cuisine, or whatever – the greater the accuracy these algorithms will be capable of in tracking down compatible people.

Intricate algorithms

The science of these algorithms becomes even more impressive when they drill down to your onsite activities. The software will instantly recognize the type of partner you’re seeking, not just by the wishlist you might have specified at the outset (and which might change over time) but by the searches you conduct in real-time. If you're in the habit of browsing the profiles of dark-haired or Latina singles, then you'll start being presented with search results that have filtered out red or blonde-haired subjects. But these programs can take this technology even further, becoming proactive with your matching aspirations.

Taking the example of an interest in Latina or Hispanic site members, the software could then be programmed to send you direct messages about recommended local Spanish or Mexican restaurants for you to try out when you get around to dating one of these singles. If you’ve previously tapped into booking apps, you’ll appreciate how flexible this technology can be. More sophisticated algorithms in dating outlets would attach menus or even links to booking forms. Previously, sidekicks who assisted with the fine art of reaching out to prospective partners were known as ‘wingmen’ (perhaps that should be updated to 'wingpeople' in our modern, inclusive society!) Nowadays, the computer programs operating beneath the front-end HTML of your favorite dating website or app can act as your virtual wingperson!

Enticing compatibility programs

Finally, it might be worth reiterating just how important it is to create a worthy dating profile. Remember, in the 2020s, online matchmaking has become highly lucrative, with the dating industry generating billions of dollars in revenue. This means more and more services are springing up, catering to ever-expanding memberships. This is a competitive marketplace.

To ensure you attract maximum attention from other singles browsing through the site, but especially the algorithm programs trawling through the relevant criteria, your descriptions need to be precise. Don’t just write down you’re seeking brunettes. State your desire to match with a striking Latina bombshell, with filmstar looks, and cascading raven tresses. On a personal level, as well as a well-written background, focus on uploading a photo of yourself – smiling comfortably and enticingly – that will demand attention.