As you attempt to craft the ideal online dating profile, you might want to think twice about using a picture that makes you look exceptionally good. A little maths explains why having a “so-so” profile photo can actually increase your likelihood of meeting someone.
In a recent TED talk, mathematician Hannah Fry took to the stage to discuss the mathematics of love, and how you can use that maths to your advantage. Using data collected from OKCupid, Fry explains how looking too good in your photo is limiting your overall range. When you look too good in a photo, it can make people feel like they don’t have a chance with you, so they don’t bother.
Of course, a really terrible photo won’t help much either, but a photo somewhere in the middle ground is what you want to shoot for. You want to look somewhat attractive without looking like you’re too out of reach. Express what makes you different and keep the tone down to Earth. There are a lot of great ways to make sure your profile picture helps you instead of hurting you, but you probably want to save the glamour shots for something else.
Hannah Fry: The mathematics of love [YouTube]
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