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Dating Apps Create One of World's Most Unequal Markets for Relationships

Huberman Lab · Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick · June 22, 2026
Dating Apps Create One of World's Most Unequal Markets for Relationships
Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab
Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick
"When you look at who gets the right swipes and who receives messages on the apps, it's the most popular people. I mean, folks have claimed that it's one of the most unequal markets in the world. I mean, it's basically a kleptocracy. The extent to which it's skewed, right? That there's like, you know, the rich, quote unquote, who have all the, you know, who get all the right swipes at the top."
Eastwick describes dating apps as fostering extreme inequality, where a small percentage of users receive the vast majority of attention and right swipes. This market concentration creates a kleptocracy-like dynamic where the most conventionally attractive users monopolize matches, while regular acquaintanceship in person shows far less dramatic inequality.
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Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab

Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
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