New research reveals the science of online dating success
Those looking for love online should think carefully about their profile name, with research finding that starting with a letter in the first half of the alphabet as important as an attractive-looking photo.
Researchers studied how to maximise the chances of converting contact on the web to a face-to-face date by analysing published research on the art of attraction and persuasion.
And they found that would-be daters should not stop at just using selfies on their profiles.
Group photos showing other people having a good time in their company, preferably with them right in the middle and touching someone else – but only on the upper arm – will help to convey friendliness, importance and status.
After carrying out an extensive search of relevant studies in the fields of psychology and sociology, as well as computer, behavioural, and neurocognitive sciences, they found that the screen name chosen for an online profile is just as important as the pictures that go with it.
Names with negative associations like “Little” or “Bug” should be avoided for monikers that sound more playful, with “Fun2bwith” cited as the type that is universally attractive.
Differences were also seen between the genders, with men more drawn to names that indicate physical attractiveness such as “Blondie” or “Cutie” while women go for names that signal intelligence, such as “Cultured”.
But it may be even more important to start a screen name with a letter in the top half of the alphabet, the research which is published online in the journal Evidence Based Medicine found.
This is because several measures of success, such as educational attainment and income are linked to names higher up in the alphabet, as well as the fact search engines sort names alphabetically.
Researchers recommend looking at the profiles of people the user finds attractive and using a similar screen name to theirs.
A flattering photograph remains important in securing a date, with experts recommending one that features a genuine smile that crinkles up the eyes and possibly a tilt of the head.
Women seeking men should wear red as this is likely to boost the level of interest, the evidence shows.
Females also find a man more attractive when they see other women smiling at him, the researchers at the London School of Medicine and University of North Texas found.
