The Effectiveness of Speed Dating

Speed Dating, as described by Skyler Place, among others, is a form of blind dating that involves meeting several people in three-minute intervals. In the study described in the article, an equal number of men and women are first asked to judge their own attractiveness. The subjects are then asked to give two ratings for photos of subjects of the opposite sex, based on their interest in a short term relationship and their interest in a long term relationship with the subject in said photo. After a three minute "date" with the subjects in the photos, subjects are asked to re-rate their date based on their experience, and the change in rating is then reported.

In general, men were more affected by speed dating, as their interest in their dates increased in both short and long term. Their ratings of the women they speed-dated even increased if the IU viewers didn't perceive interest during the date. The women showed considerably less interest, as their ratings for both relationship lengths went down if the IU viewers didn't perceive interest, and their ratings went up only slightly if the IU viewers perceived interest. Since women tend to show less interest then men after a speed date, I don't think that everyone could eventually find a successful partner using speed dating. Many people would probably feel uncomfortable with the concept and would rather date someone they knew personally; others may want to meet potential partners in a social situation, like a bar or a party. Although some may like blind or speed dating, I don't see it working for everyone.