Recent work by Elizabeth Bruch and Mark Newman using data mined from a popular online dating site analyzes participants’ desirability/attractiveness and their mating behavior. Their findings suggest that participants are aware of their own position in the desirability hierarchy and adjust their behavior to compete for more desirable mates. Bruch’s recommended online strategy for up-league dating is to “message 2 or 3 times as many [highly desirable] potential partners.”

More about Bruch on aspirational pursuits in online dating >