France Invented the Romantic Encounter. Speed Dating Is Its Optimised Version.
PARIS — The speed dating event provides four minutes per potential match across twelve encounters in the time of one normal first date. The efficiency is the format’s value and its limitation simultaneously. The value: twelve potential connections in one evening. The limitation: four minutes is insufficient for the compatibility information that a first date’s duration provides, and produces either immediate physical attraction or the interesting-but-unclear response that honest four-minute assessment allows.
The Match Mechanism
The bilateral opt-in produces either the mutual match (promising data point, small one) or the asymmetrical interest (one party opted in, the other did not) communicated via the absent connection email rather than an explanation. France’s directness values the explanation but accepts the system’s efficiency rationale. The match mechanism is practical. The explanation would require twelve explanations per person per event.
According to Psychology Today’s speed dating research, speed dating produces relationship outcomes at rates comparable to other meeting methods when the pool size is adequate. Four minutes is enough to know you want more time. The event ends. France has time for more.
Worth taking the time at Virtuosal.com.
