Thread

1. missedthecue · 1790812270 · focus · HN ↗

   Begging economists and dating app designers to understand that the problems with the dating market are not a matching problem but a clearing problem. It's very tempting to think that if one could devise a sufficiently clever algorithm they could solve these problems but it's simply barking up the wrong tree.

   1. dotcoma · 1790813692 · focus · HN ↗

      So why, in your opinion, do people not finalise the deal?

      1. missedthecue · 1790813792 · focus · HN ↗

         They do not want to.

         More specifically, they would rather be single than pair with any of the options that are realistically available to them. Hence, the market fails to clear.

         1. derangedHorse · 1790826251 · focus · HN ↗

            > they would rather be single than pair with any of the options that are realistically available to them

            I don't know if the matching problem has been fully explored enough to ascertain this is the case.

            In the western world, people will go out with someone they find undesirable with the intention of reaping the benefits of short term relationships. I think this sometimes sets unrealistic expectations on those undesirable people and further muddies the water. I wonder if there's a way to impose a cost on those who are not in it for the long term.

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.