Anthropologist Helen Fisher explains her research on the brain's influence on love and reveals four thinking and behaving styles linked to dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen. The podcast also covers the Singles in America survey, AI in online dating, alternatives to monogamy, and legal protections for polyamorous relationships.
Helen Fisher's research reveals four styles of thinking and behaving linked with love and attraction, based on dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen systems.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in online dating has increased, with 43% of participants using AI to create profiles and 37% relying on AI for initial messages, but traditional human interactions still drive romantic love.
Deep dives
Understanding the Four Basic Styles of Thinking and Behaving in Love
Dr. Helen Fisher's research on human behavior has revealed that there are four basic styles of thinking and behaving when it comes to love and attraction. Those who are high in dopamine seek partners who share their risk-taking and adventurous nature. Similarly, individuals high in serotonin are attracted to others who are traditional and follow rules. On the other hand, testosterone-dominant individuals are drawn to opposite personalities, while those with high estrogen levels seek out partners with complementary traits. These findings have been used by dating platforms to match individuals based on compatibility.
The Rise of Slow Love and Non-Monogamy
Over the past 13 years, Dr. Fisher has observed a shift in dating patterns towards what she calls 'slow love.' Younger generations are marrying later, taking more time to establish their careers and personal lives before committing to a romantic relationship. The survey also revealed an increase in consensual non-monogamous relationships, with 31% of participants reporting engaging in such arrangements. However, the majority of singles still express a desire for long-term, sexually monogamous partnerships.
The Role of AI in Dating
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in the early stages of dating. The survey found that 43% of participants have used AI to help craft their online dating profiles, while 37% relied on AI to compose their initial messages to potential matches. Additionally, AI was credited with helping individuals find better matches and meet people more quickly. However, once the initial connection is made, traditional human interactions and assessments come into play, with romantic love being driven by ancient parts of the brain.
Anthropologist Helen Fisher has long been trying to answer the question: why do you fall in love with one person rather than another? Her research says we've evolved four basic styles of thinking and behaving linked with the dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen systems. Fisher used that research to create a questionnaire that's been taken by 15 million people in 40 countries, shedding light on how we choose our mates.
She's also one of the experts behind the Singles in America survey from Match.com, the most recent of which shows that people are using AI in online dating, and are increasingly trying alternatives to monogamy.
Plus, Axios' Carly Mallenbaum on legal protections for polyamorous relationships.
Guests: Helen Fisher, anthropologist and chief science advisor to Match.com; Axios lifestyle reporter Carly Mallenbaum.
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.