Studying the 'Science' of Online Dating
A journal of the the Nature Publishing Group has published an article by Dr. Giovanni Frazzetto that concentrates on the subject of dating match services posing the question, "Can the application of science to unravel the biological basis of love complement the traditional, romantic ideal of finding a soul mate?"
Introduction: "As the saying goes, 'love defies all calculation'. Yet, this apparently obvious assertion is challenged by the intrusion of science into matters of love, including the application of scientific analysis to modern forms of courtship. An increasing number of dating services boast about their use of biological research and genetic testing to better match prospective partners. Yet, while research continues to disentangle the complex factors that make humans fall in love, the application of this research remains dubious."
"With the rise of the internet and profound changes in contemporary lifestyles, online dating has gained enormous popularity among aspiring lovers of all ages. Long working hours, increasing mobility and the dissolution of traditional modes of socialization mean that people use chat rooms and professional dating services to find partners. Despite the current economic downturn, the online dating industry continues to flourish. With subscription prices between euro20 and euro30 per month, romance-seekers are turning away from the traditional — and often expensive — strategies of meeting people casually in bars and restaurants, and are instead opting for less spontaneous, but practical, cheap online services that allow them to find a soul mate from the comfort of their desk."
Read the entire free article at Nature 's EMBO Reports (European Molecular Biology Organization)
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