The Algorithm of Love
I found an article on Mashable about online dating, yes,
online dating, titled How Online Dating Sites
Use Data to Find 'The One’, with the help of algorithms. Ever the cynic
about finding the elusive “Grotto of Love”
myself, this is just another one of those articles that makes me want to shout
to the rooftops the whole new set of problems that comes with dating online. I
mean, dating is tough enough in the old traditional, “Would you like to go out
to dinner sometime?” and get to know me in a “normal” sense, but now dating
sites are using algorithms to play matchmaker. Let’s face it,
relationships based on reality and chemistry are difficult enough to hold
together. Online dating presents us with a whole new set of disappointments,
creating situations that meeting face to face or through friends doesn’t, causing
little gremlins of emotion to pop-up unannounced in your brain when you least
expect it.
Sure, your biggest instant connection a few pages down the “Your
best match list” with 80% compatibility may look pretty good on the pixels, but
how much did they embellish? What percent genuine is Mr. 80% Compatible? I guess it’s ok to take a shot in the dark,
but don’t count on those algorithms to bring you true love. When you
catch each other logging in again and rational thinking goes out the window, one, or
maybe both of you, are going to be feeling the pangs of jealously and some
muted paranoia. How long before that kills the relationship? Yes, I have set up
a profile on a few sites and it’s just not for me. Don’t get me wrong,
technology is great in millions of ways, but the cesspool of dating is still a
cesspool, online and with algorithms or not.
References
Kelly, Samantha. Mashable. ““How Online Dating Sites Use Data
to Find ‘The One”. Retrieved September 29, 2013. <http://mashable.com/2013/09/14/online-dating-data/>
I felt the same way until two of my friends found "the one" through one of those sites. One of them has been married 8 years now with 2 beautiful boys and are happy as can be. The other has been married 5 years with no sign of trouble in paradise. The funny thing is both girls told me they would have never gone out with the guys they married if it had not been for getting to know them online first.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of dating sites! The one, single, solitary date I went on since my divorce six years ago stemmed from match.com. It was with a local guy who reminded me of a not-so-favorite uncle. Have been turned off since lol! Your comment "What percent genuine is Mr. 80% compatible? is in line with my way of thinking. I don't know maybe I'm just not giving this a chance. After reading Kimberly's comments about her two happily married friends, maybe I should give it a second shot.
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