Ep.172 She's In The Way | Karl, Ger & Rob

Dating apps have given us more choice than any generation in history — but have they actually changed who we choose?In this episode, Karl, Ger and Rob dive into the science of modern dating, attraction and relationships, looking at five fascinating studies that challenge some of our assumptions about how men and women behave.We explore why people still gravitate towards partners who are similar to themselves, despite having thousands of potential matches at their fingertips. The lads discuss whether dating apps have genuinely expanded our options or simply made it easier to find more versions of the same "type."We also get into sexual overperception bias — the finding that men are more likely to mistake friendliness for sexual interest — and what that means in a world of texts, DMs, emojis and dating apps where intentions can be even harder to read.Then there's the psychology of the dating profile itself. What are we actually trying to communicate with the photos we choose? Research suggests men looking for long-term relationships may use pictures with pets or children to signal that they're caring and capable of commitment — although apparently, posing with a cat might not have quite the effect you're hoping for.The conversation also challenges one of dating's oldest stereotypes: men want sex, women want relationships. Research into sociosexuality suggests individual attitudes towards casual sex may tell us far more about someone's dating behaviour than whether they're a man or a woman.Finally, we look at why people actually use Tinder. Is endless swiping about sex, finding a relationship, boredom or simply getting the little confidence boost that comes from somebody swiping right?Along the way, Karl, Ger and Rob get into their own experiences, preferences and opinions on modern relationships — and ask whether technology has really changed dating or simply exposed the psychology that was always underneath it.In this episode:• Why we keep dating people similar to ourselves• Whether dating apps have really increased our options• Why men can mistake friendliness for flirting• How texting and DMs create mixed signals• What your dating profile says about you• Why men post photos with dogs, cats and kids• Whether men and women actually want different things• Casual sex, commitment and sociosexuality• Tinder, sexual desire and self-esteem• Attraction versus compatibility• Whether dating algorithms influence who we fall for• How much of attraction is conscious choice• Why having more options might not make dating any easierFive studies. Three lads. And one big question: has modern dating actually changed human behaviour — or have we just put ancient instincts on an app?