Statistical Analysis of Match.com By Caitlin Rosica

Match.com uses an algorithm called “Synapse” to match single people. With the number of subscribers ever growing, the algorithm had to get more and more specific. HOW IT WORKS

Data Collected: Preferred height Preferred body type Age range of interest Desired hair color THE BASICS

Tries to use “behavior modeling” to predict how people will act Even if someone says they want someone between without kids, they might be open to a man with children after a few weeks of browsing and not finding a good match. The algorithm responds to stimuli. If you say you’re not interested in older men, but constantly look at the profiles of older men, Match will start to pair you with older men. DOES MATCH KNOW YOU BETTER THAN YOU KNOW YOURSELF?

Statistically, conservatives are more likely to be open to liberals than liberals to conservatives. Therefore, the algorithm will suggest liberals to conservatives, but not the other way around. Match.com will put different weight on different attributes. For example: men statistically will not budge on hair color, whereas women are less likely to be open to men of different religions. SMART STATISTICS

ING OUTSIDE OF PREFERENCES

Men are least likely to budge on hair color, but the income of the woman is less important. Women won’t budge when it comes to being matched with a smoker or non-smoker, but are willing to compromise on the kids issue. Women and men are almost equally as likely to budge on faith, job, and education. Overall, women are more willing to compromise than men are. ANALYZED

So, in the end, it’s all about the MAT(C)H

ch_review/ l eharmony-algorithm-internet-dating SOURCES