Virtual speed dating: Utilizing online‐meeting platforms to study initial attraction and relationship formation

Abstract

There is still much to learn about attraction and relationship formation. Here, we introduce an innovative method that utilizes modern technology to permit large‐scale, observational study of dyadic behavior that may yield new empirical insights into how people choose partners and form relationships: virtual speed dating. In doing so, we provide a methodological overview of a recent virtual speed‐dating study that we conducted, and we provide guidance for other scholars who wish to conduct such a study. Not only does virtual speed dating permit a feasible way to conduct large‐scale speed‐dating research and observe dyadic behavior during initial meeting and dating interactions, but it can benefit relationship science in myriad other ways, including the ability to (a) study novel research questions about first‐impression formation, romantic rivalries, and affiliative behaviors, (b) study diverse types of relationships, and (c) increase representation of diverse individuals in relationship science.