New research shows that physical appearance matters more than other traits like intelligence, job, or height when it comes to being selected on dating apps. A study found that a rise in perceived physical attractiveness significantly increases the odds of being chosen, while improvements in other traits barely influence decisions. Surprisingly, men and women behaved similarly in prioritizing physical attractiveness over other attributes when making real-time dating choices.

The study, which involved 445 dating-app users in Germany, utilized a controlled conjoint design to measure the impact of different traits on selection decisions. While the dominance of looks in initial selection on dating apps may seem discouraging, deeper traits like warmth, trust, and reliability become crucial once connections are made beyond the initial swipe. The key takeaway is to choose photos with care on dating apps and focus on showcasing your full self in conversations and dates to form meaningful connections beyond physical appearance.