Confirmation Bias in Dating
Confirmation bias refers to the tendency of individuals to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. This cognitive bias is prevalent in various aspects of life, including dating.
"I don't have a type" or do I?
Confirmation bias can manifest itself in several ways in a dating context. If someone has a particular type or preference for a partner, they may unconsciously seek out and interpret information that confirms their preconceptions about that type. For example, if you grew up watching Selena Gomez on Wizards of Waverly Place or listening to Harry Styles and One Direction. You would look for people with those traits e.g. brunette hair and dainty features without even realising it. Your vision is narrow when it comes to dating. This results in you overlooking potential partners who do not fit that idealized image, even if those individuals possess other desirable traits. Best to remember that everyone is beautiful in their own way. Actively seek out that beauty.
"You're all the same"
Another way confirmation bias can influence dating is through the interpretation of behaviors and actions. You try to anticipate their actions based on past experiences. For instance, they're 10 minutes late when you decide to link up. You normally would let it slide, but because of your past experiences, you immediately eliminate them from your dating options. It’s helpful to take mental notes, but you need to remember that each person and dating experience is unique.
Confirmation bias in online dating
Confirmation bias can also lead to the misinterpretation of information from online dating profiles. For example, if someone has a preconceived notion that people who list "hiking" as a hobby are adventurous, they may overlook or downplay other information that contradicts this assumption, such as the person's preference for quiet nights in or dislike of large crowds.
In addition, confirmation bias can influence the way people approach dating apps and platforms. For instance, if someone has had negative experiences with online dating in the past, they may selectively seek out negative reviews and feedback. This will confirm their belief that online dating is not effective. Conversely, if someone has had positive experiences with online dating, they may be more likely to seek out success stories and positive reviews.
Overall, confirmation bias can be detrimental to the dating experience, it can limit the opportunities for meaningful connections and prevent individuals from seeing potential partners in a more objective light. By becoming aware of this cognitive bias and actively challenging your assumptions and preconceptions, individuals can increase their chances of finding a compatible partner.
