1 big thing cover image

1 big thing

Helen Fisher: How we choose who we love

Feb 15, 2024
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.
21:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode