Dating apps might make people super optimistic, finds a new study.
Researchers from the University of Michigan used a computer algorithm to identify which users of a dating app got the most messages-- those people were considered most attractive.
Using the same technology they figured out where all other users ranked in terms of attractiveness. They found 21 percent of people who messaged those who were prettier than themselves got at least one reply, and that 25 percent overall were seeking potential dates who were more attractive than themselves.
Study co-author Professor Elizabeth Bruch adds, "There can be a lot of difference in terms of who is desirable to whom.
Our scores reflect the overall desirability rankings given online dating site users' diverse preferences.
There may be sub-markets in which people who would not necessarily score as high by our measures could still have an awesome and fulfilling dating life."