Love and Purpose: A Winning Combination in Online Dating
Highlights:
- Having a sense of purpose in life can make individuals more attractive on dating apps
- Profiles demonstrating a clear sense of purpose, whether prosocial, relationship-oriented, financially driven, or creatively inclined, were rated higher in attractiveness
- Participants showed a preference for profiles aligning with their own purpose orientation, emphasizing the importance of shared values in romantic attraction
Amidst the vast landscape of online dating options, a study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that alongside the quest for love, seeking a sense of purpose in life may enhance one's romantic appeal. Researcher Isabella D'Ottone, alongside Patrick Hill and Gabrielle Pfund, found that individuals demonstrating a clear sense of purpose in their dating profiles were rated more attractive by participants compared to those without a sense of purpose (1✔).
How Sense of Purpose Impacts Dating App Profiles
The study, published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, investigated the impact of four categories of "sense of purpose" on dating app profiles: prosocial orientation, relationship orientation, financial orientation, and creative orientation. Interestingly, participants not only rated purpose-driven profiles higher but also showed a preference for profiles aligning with their own purpose orientation.Seeking Purpose in Love: Impact of Financial Orientation on Attractiveness
However, the study revealed a nuanced response to financial orientation, with participants generally being less attracted to financially focused profiles unless they shared a similar financial motivation. According to D'Ottone, this suggests that while a sense of purpose enhances attractiveness, a sole focus on financial success may not always be appealing.
Did You Know?
Over 30% of U.S. adults have used dating apps, with Tinder being the most popular, boasting over 7.86 million users worldwide.
Navigating the Future: Integrating Purpose into Dating App Design
Looking ahead, the research could inform the design of dating apps, potentially integrating purpose-driven components into profile prompts and icebreakers. D'Ottone emphasized that the key is not to feign passion but to authentically pursue one's interests, as it may lead to unexpected romantic connections along the way.‘Having a sense of purpose in life not only makes you more attractive on dating apps but also fosters meaningful connections. #purposeinlove #medindia’
In summary, the study highlights the importance of purpose beyond mere physical attraction in the realm of online dating, shedding light on how a clear sense of direction in life can enhance one's romantic appeal and potentially foster meaningful connections.
Reference:
- Purposeful partners: Potential relationship quality and sense of purpose - (https:psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-29907-001)
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APA
Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2024, February 09). Love and Purpose: A Winning Combination in Online Dating . Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 09, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/love-and-purpose-a-winning-combination-in-online-dating-214935-1.htm.
MLA
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Love and Purpose: A Winning Combination in Online Dating ". Medindia. Jan 09, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/love-and-purpose-a-winning-combination-in-online-dating-214935-1.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Love and Purpose: A Winning Combination in Online Dating ". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/love-and-purpose-a-winning-combination-in-online-dating-214935-1.htm. (accessed Jan 09, 2025).
Harvard
Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2024. Love and Purpose: A Winning Combination in Online Dating . Medindia, viewed Jan 09, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/love-and-purpose-a-winning-combination-in-online-dating-214935-1.htm.