Just viewed a fascinating segment on the “Science of Love” on CBS Sunday Morning.
There they looked at whether using algorithms like E-Harmony and Match.com use to match customers, work any better than dumb luck.
First of all, contrary to urban legend, only 20% of new relationships begin from online dating services at present, even though there are now more than 1,000 different kinds.
Some use complicated mathematical formulas to help match you with just the right person, but according to a new study, online dating is only number two in matchmaking America-style. Meeting through mutual friends is still the number one most popular way to meet a mate.
The scientists, whose research is slated for publication in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, reviewed over 400 psychology studies and public interest surveys. In one study, they found that in a single month in 2011, nearly 25 million unique users around the world were online dating.
If you are truly serious about meeting someone wonderful this year, perhaps you should consider investing more of your time and money in an old fashioned, one-on-one matchmaker. Ann Wood, age 79, has been doing this kind of work in the Washington, D.C. area for decades. She charges $1000/year, and her only caveat is, “I can’t help stupid people.”
Of course, it always helps if you BELIEVE IN LOVE to begin with!
HOW MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? 48% said YES 49% said NO
