Want To Be Swiped Right More Often?

In the quest for love? Behavioral science can help. Send your question to MazeQuest@thelovemaze.com. Questions may be revised and edited.

Dear Maze,

"Online dating is such a crowded space. I feel like a drop in the ocean. With the ease of swiping and scrolling, profile photos become the book cover. If it doesn't draw attention, its content doesn't get seen. I don't look like a movie star, but I believe that I have a lot to offer. How can I better present myself through the photos to boost my chance of being noticed?"

Believe it or not, research has shown that group photos actually make an individual look more attractive and grab more attention than solo photos. It's counter intuitive—wouldn't the good-looking one in the group overshadow the rest? It turns out, the good looking one actually lifts the boat, increasing the attractiveness of the entire group including any individual within. It's called The Cheerleader Effect, also as The Group Attractiveness Effect. The ideal group size is 4 to 6. A group picture also serves as Social Proof, showing your popularity. In our mind, we want to be with people whom others also want to be with. Don't be afraid of staying close to the good-looking people and snap a picture! They are there to help with your pursuit.

Have a maze quest? Send your question to MazeQuest@thelovemaze.com. Questions may be revised and edited.

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