How to Succeed in Online Dating
如何在网络约会中取得成功
词汇 六级 | 句法 五级 | 文本 五级
刘立军供稿
If you’re using online dating apps, you’re not alone — millions of people worldwide are in the same boat. But with so many options, how do you make your profile stand out from the crowd? Online dating isn’t just about chance; it’s influenced by algorithms and data science, which can help or hinder your quest for love. Here’s a guide to understanding how these systems work and how to optimize your profile for better results.
如果你正在使用约会软件，你并不孤单——全世界有数百万人也在这么做。但是面对如此多的选择，如何让你的个人资料在人群中脱颖而出呢？线上约会不仅仅是靠运气；它还受到算法和数据科学的影响，这些因素可能会帮助，也可能会阻碍你寻找爱情。这里有一份指南，帮助你理解这些系统是如何运作的，并教你如何优化你的个人资料以获得更好的结果。
1. Online Dating Is Powered by Algorithms 线上约会由算法驱动
At its core, online dating relies on sophisticated algorithms designed to predict and match human behavior. These systems collect data — likes, dislikes, even the content of your photos — to find you potential matches. While this can be frustrating at times, the algorithms aren’t about luck; they’re constantly refining predictions to increase your chances of finding someone compatible.
从根本上说，线上约会依赖于复杂的算法，旨在预测并匹配人类行为。这些系统收集数据——包括喜好、厌恶、甚至是照片内容——来为你找到潜在的匹配对象。虽然这有时可能会令人沮丧，但算法和运气无关；它们不断改进预测，以增加你找到合适伴侣的机会。
One common algorithm, used by apps like Hinge, is the Gale-Shapley algorithm. Think of it as a way to match people where no one would want to “trade up” for a different match, keeping the pairings stable. This means that even if your match isn’t your ideal type, it might still be a stable, long-term fit. Don’t let a hasty decision prevent you from getting to know someone who could be great for you.
一个常用的算法是盖尔—沙普利算法，被Hinge等应用采用。你可以把它想象成一种方式，让每个人都不会想“换”一个更合适的匹配，从而保持配对关系的稳定性。这意味着即使你的匹配对象不是你的理想类型，也可能是一个稳定、长期的合适关系。不要让仓促的决定阻止你去了解那些可能很适合你的人。
2. Collaborative Filtering: The Narrowing Effect 协同过滤：缩小效应
Ever feel like you’re seeing the same types of profiles over and over? That’s because of collaborative filtering. This algorithm bases its recommendations on the choices made by others with similar tastes to yours. The more you swipe, the more the app narrows your options to people who fit your previous preferences, often excluding those who don’t match the group’s patterns. If you feel stuck in a loop of mismatched suggestions, try creating a new profile to reset the algorithm.
你是否曾感觉，看到的总是同一类人的资料？这是因为协同过滤的作用。这种算法会根据与你有相似喜好的人的选择来生成推荐。你滑动屏幕次数越多，软件就越会将你的选项限制在符合你先前偏好的人身上，往往会排除那些不符合这类人群模式的对象。如果你觉得陷入了匹配失误的循环中，不妨尝试创建一个新的个人资料，重置算法。
3. Timing Matters 时机很重要
When you swipe, it is just as important as who you swipe on. Many dating apps prioritize profiles that are active at the same time as you, giving those users more visibility. If you want to improve your chances, try swiping during peak times, when more users are active. It’s like fishing when the fish are biting — you’re more likely to catch someone’s attention.
什么时候滑动屏幕，和你给谁滑动屏幕同样关键。许多约会软件会优先展示与你同时活跃的用户的个人资料，让这些用户有更高的可见度。如果你想提高成功率，不妨试着在高峰时段滑动，这时有更多的用户是活跃的。这就像是在鱼咬钩的时候钓鱼——你更容易吸引到某人的注意。
4. The Placebo Effect 安慰剂效应
Once you get matched, it doesn’t mean you’ve found “the one” — at least not yet. Studies have shown that the mere belief that a match is a good one can increase your attraction to them, even if the match isn’t perfect. This is known as the placebo effect. For example, dating app OKCupid ran an experiment where they told users they were compatible with someone — even if they weren’t — and found that people rated those matches more highly. The power of suggestion can shape your perception, so stay open-minded.
一旦匹配成功，并不意味着你就找到了“命中注定”——至少现在还不是。研究表明，仅仅相信匹配对象不错这一点就能增加吸引力，即使你们并不完美契合。这就是所谓的安慰剂效应。例如，约会软件OKCupid进行了一项实验，他们告诉用户他们与某人很合拍——即使实际上并非如此——发现用户对这些匹配对象的评价更高。心理暗示的力量可以影响你的判断，所以保持开放的心态吧。
5. Your Profile Picture Matters More Than You Think 你的个人资料图片比你想象的重要得多
Your profile picture plays a significant role in how the algorithm ranks you. Apps like Tinder analyze your photos for themes — be it a beach vacation, pet photos, or party pictures — and categorize you accordingly. So, posting a well-thought-out picture could make all the difference. Think about how your photo fits into the broader narrative you want to convey.
你的个人资料图片在算法对你的排名中起着重要作用。像Tinder这样的软件会分析你的照片主题——无论是海滩度假、宠物照片还是派对照片——并据此对你进行分类。因此，发布一张精心设计的照片可能会产生巨大的不同。想想看你的照片是否符合你想要传递的整体形象。
6. Profile Content and Language Matter 资料内容和语言同样关键
Data journalist Amy Webb studied hundreds of profiles to determine what made them successful. Her analysis showed that shorter, well-written profiles that used positive language and avoided niche references tended to get more attention. Keeping it approachable and clear increases engagement, so focus on being genuine and avoid overcomplicating your bio.
数据记者Amy Webb研究了数百份个人资料，以找出成功的关键。她的分析显示，篇幅较短、流畅、语言积极并避免避免小众梗的资料，往往会获得更多关注。保持亲近且清晰的表达能增加互动，所以专注于展现真实的自己，别把个人简介写得过于复杂。
7. Know How Algorithms Shape Your Experience 了解算法如何塑造你的体验
Understanding how dating algorithms work can help you make more informed decisions. Algorithms aim to predict compatibility, but they don’t replace the necessity of real-world connection. While they can help narrow down your options, meeting face-to-face is ultimately the best way to determine compatibility.
了解约会算法的工作原理可以帮助你做出更加明智的决策。算法旨在预测契合度，但它们不能替代现实世界的人际联结。虽然它们可以帮助你缩小选择范围，但最终是确定彼此是否合适的最佳方式还是面对面交流。
Online dating can be a bit of a science experiment, but by understanding the algorithms behind it, you can increase your chances of finding a meaningful connection.
线上约会有点像是一场科学实验，但通过理解其背后的算法逻辑，你可以增加找到合适伴侣的机会。
【词汇】
1. algorithm n. 算法
2. optimise v. 优化
3. reset v. 重置
4. placebo n. 安慰剂
5. perception n. 认知，感知
6. niche n. 小众市场，特定领域
7. bio n. 生物传记，个人简介
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