Modern Wisdom #601 - Dr Andrew Thomas - Evolution's Secrets To Understanding Relationships
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Mar 13, 2023 Dr. Andrew Thomas, a senior lecturer in psychology at Swansea University, shares fascinating insights into human relationships from an evolutionary lens. He reveals five key theories explaining attraction and mating strategies, including how modern dating dynamics are affected by our evolutionary past. The conversation touches on the complexities of sexual arousal, societal shifts impacting relationship preferences, and the nuanced understanding of partner counts and desirability. Expect humor, thought-provoking ideas, and essential advice for anyone navigating relationships today.
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Evolutionary Mismatch in Dating
- Modern dating apps create choice overload, leading to superficial judgments.
- People narrow down potential partners based on limited criteria, like height, due to this abundance of choice.
Height Deception in Online Dating
- Dr. Thomas lied about his height on a dating website to appear taller.
- This 'white lie' demonstrates how people adapt to the pressures of online dating.
Error Management Theory in Dating
- Error management theory suggests we make errors that minimize potential costs.
- Men over-perceive sexual interest (false positive) to avoid missing mating opportunities (costly false negative).