Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Ellery Freeman '27

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Poster Exhibit: One or more registrants displaying posters for discussion

Presentation Title: "Evolved Preferences in a Digital Age: Physical Attractiveness and Resource Cues in Online Dating"

Abstract:

This study investigates how evolved mate preferences manifest in modern online dating, examining whether men’s emphasis on physical attractiveness and women’s focus on resource cues persist on digital platforms. Using AI-generated Tinder profiles to ensure experimental control and standardization, the research tests how gender and sexual orientation influence partner selection. Participants (N = 87) from Franklin Pierce University evaluated four randomized profiles and indicated their preferred "swipe right" choice. Data were analyzed using a chi-squared test of independence to determine if gender and sexual orientation were associated with selections based on attractiveness or resource indicators. Results indicated that a significant majority of participants, across gender and sexual orientation, selected profiles consistent with theoretically predicted evolutionary patterns. Specifically, significant effects were observed for men prioritizing attractiveness and women prioritizing resource cues. While the generalizability is limited by the college-aged sample and profile non-uniformity, the findings suggest that established sexual selection patterns remain robust in digital environments. These results highlight how specific cues, such as education and lifestyle indicators, reliably activate evolved preferences in modern dating contexts.

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