In this week’s reading of The Circle, an app called LuvLuv is introduced. The app makes all of the data surrounding an individual available for the lover in question to use in order to make wise decisions on dates and ultimately, win over the individual.
I immediately compared this fictitious app to present dating sites including Eharmony and Match.com. I personally do not have much experience with the sites, but they do expedite the process of matching people with similar interests. The main difference between these sites and LuvLuv is that people can edit their profiles on today’s dating sites. This ability often leads to people altering some (Read: most) of their details in order to seem more attractive; in this sense forming an artificial data double. The classic example leads to profile pictures that are taken at a way earlier date or of a completely different person. Additionally, it is questionable whether a perfect match of interests leads to a happy couple (See Video). The saying, “Opposites attract obviously does not apply to dating sites.
LuvLuv ultimately cuts out this flaw entirely, by using truthful data out of people’s everyday lives, leading to a pretty accurate depiction of an individual. Although useful, I think there is another weakness in this system. By making this information known to the general public, it makes dating into a somewhat rigged game rather than real life. If I knew all of a person’s interests before meeting them, I could artificially make myself exactly like them. I could take her to her favorite restaurant, put on her favorite music, and ultimately connect with her using the power of information. The problem the person on that date would not be “me.” I would be just as fake as the 80 year old using an Eharmony profile picture from the 1970s.
Although both methods attempt to precipitate relationships, I think love is something that cannot be created with wires.
wibyrd
You provide a good summary of what LuvLuv provides in the story. That being said I would push back on some of your analysis of the implications of LuvLuv. I do agree with you that LuvLuv makes the process of falling in love much more time efficient because you can sift through someone’s characteristics to match your initial behavior to their interests. What LuvLuv addresses is the asymmetric information that two people experience on the first date. Traditionally, the two people don’t know each other’s personality and interests but with social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) chances are both people have searched each other’s profile looking for mutual connections and mutual interests. Although, these profiles are created to make one look more attractive I would argue you could still gain a sense of someone based on their social media.
Even if you don’t use social media there is still the possibility that you can learn a lot about someone if you have a mutual friend or acquaintance. It really isn’t that hard to ask what her favorite flowers or restaurant is. And once you have this information there is a good chance you will alter your behavior to match what she is interested in already. I truly believe LuvLuv doesn’t change much when it comes to the dating world. LuvLuv helps two people become more comfortable initially so they can show their true characteristics to each other later. LuvLuv makes it easier for two people to connect when they first meet each other; it relieves some of the worries and fears of going on a date with someone new.
Even if you don’t use social media there is still the possibility that you can learn a lot about someone if you have a mutual friend or acquaintance. It really isn’t that hard to ask what her favorite flowers or restaurant is. And once you have this information there is a good chance you will alter your behavior to match what she is interested in already. I truly believe LuvLuv doesn’t change much when it comes to the dating world. LuvLuv helps two people become more comfortable initially so they can show their true characteristics to each other later. LuvLuv makes it easier for two people to connect when they first meet each other; it relieves some of the worries and fears of going on a date with someone new