Press Place

a resource for reporters

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and love is within the atmosphere. Or perhaps is it? With thousands and thousands of People in america switching to internet dating and shopping, is on a daily basis focused on intimate love and gifting chocolates and cards passé? USC specialists share their findings on effective gift-giving and seeking for love.

Contact: Jenesse Miller

Does “choice overload” suggest the termination of relationships?

“Less people might actually be celebrating Valentine’s time with a significant other. Young, electronic natives are much less inclined to take a relationships now, offered the selection of options avaiable in their mind on dating apps and on social media marketing.

“Sixty-five per cent of senior high school children are in possession of never ever also experienced a relationship, so paradoxically, although young people have significantly more possibilities than in the past to fulfill that unique someone, they’re less inclined to commit.

“Psychologists call this ‘choice overload’: Given more alternatives, folks are less in a position to select anything more.”

Julie Albright is a professional in popular tradition, infidelity, relationship problems and internet dating. This woman is a lecturer aided by the USC Dornsife university of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Albright and USC Dornsife teacher of therapy and computer technology Irving Biederman will co-host a Facebook go on the technology of love.

It’s the idea that counts… actually!

“With a Valentine’s Day present you can find strong psychological overtones. For the receiver, there was a propensity to scrutinize everything you reach see if there’s a note concealed within the present. For partners who’ve been dating for a time, there may be the expectation or hope of a married relationship proposition. Some may read indications into presents that will or may possibly not be meant.

“For the gift-giver, there could be anxiety by what to purchase. They would like to ensure that the message is proper and reveal a comprehension of their Valentine and what she or he is searching for – not only from the point that is utilitarian of, but through the perspective of once you understand in regards to the other individual. A present might be regarded as more valuable if there’s been some idea put in it.”

Lars Perner is a specialist on customer holiday and behavior shopping. He could be an assistant teacher of medical advertising during the USC Marshall class of company.

Separating is not difficult to do: The gamification of dating

“Dating apps and technology have actually gamified dating. It’s a game title of linking and never also actually splitting up, but of abandoning individuals. Folks are now involved in techniques that could break social norms in the olden times; there are not any consequences since they’re maybe maybe maybe not dating buddies of buddies or buddies of family members.

“There is a brand new language to talk about dating and breaking up because of social networking: ‘cushioning,’ ‘ghosting’ and ‘zombieing.’ Some algorithms enable individuals to peer into each other people’ everyday everyday everyday lives and connect on each one of these channels that are different. They’ll usage tricks and gimmicks to cease dating but remain connected on social media marketing. They’ll ‘like’ or comment on a post to entice somebody or even to drive them crazy.

“On Valentine’s Day, an application could get you a romantic date, but be cautious because you have got entered the world of gamified relationship. that which you asked for,”

Karen North is a professional on social networking, online dating sites and internet privacy. This woman is the manager associated with the Annenberg Program on Online Communities in the USC Annenberg class for Communication and Journalism.

With regards to gift suggestions, don’t keep your Valentine guessing

“My research has shown that in the event that you first tell them there is going to be a surprise if you just surprise someone with a box of candies, they are happier than.

“When we’re told in advance about a shock, it is difficult for people to not take part in wishful reasoning, that could result in dissatisfaction. Having said that, it is difficult for all of us never to inform your partner you have got a shock.

“People also think getting a big present will provide them with more pleasure than a smaller sized present. But studies have shown it is the present, aside from size, that offers them pleasure. We now have demonstrated that folks are only because delighted winning one buck as winning twenty dollars. Offering some body perhaps the tiniest Valentine that is little can huge effects when it comes to joy.”

Eva Buechel is a professional on emotional processes that shape consumer judgments, choices and habits. She actually is a professor that is assistant of at the USC Marshall class of company.

---