David Rodrigues

A new look at online attraction: Unilateral initial attraction and the pivotal role of perceived similarity

Abstract Although perceived attractiveness has consistently been shown to influence interpersonal attraction, perceiving another person as more similar to oneself is also highly important for attraction. We examine how both perceptions impact unilateral initial attraction (UIA), defined as a positive reaction following the perception of an unknown target within minimal information settings. In three studies, we examine this phenomenon in a social networking site scenario, by asking participants to imagine they were browsing such a site. In Study 1, participants reported greater UIA for an attractive target, and this effect was partially mediated by perceived similarity. In Study 2, participants reported greater UIA for a target neutral in attractiveness, after being conceptually primed with similarity. This effect was mediated by perceived attractiveness. In Study 3, both perceived similarity and perceived attractiveness were associated with increases in UIA, which in turn was associated with greater interest to interact with a target neutral in attractiveness. These novel findings show the importance of perceived similarity for UIA and the importance of this phenomenon for online interactions. We conclude by discussing general implications for online social activities, specifically relationship development.

Development and validation of the measure of initial attraction- Short Interest Scale (MIA-I)

Atracao inicial unilateral (UIA) e uma reacao afetiva positiva apos a percepcao unilateral de um alvo desconhecido, definindo o primeiro estadio no desenvolvimento de um novo relacionamento interpessoal. Apesar de pouco estudado, a literatura sugere este constructo como tendo uma componente de ativacao fisiologica e outra de interesse interpessoal. Contudo, a componente de interesse emerge como necessaria para uma aproximacao voluntaria a outra pessoa e eventual iniciacao de uma interacao. Com base nestas evidencias, desenvolvemos e validamos a Medida de Atracao Inicial - Escala Breve de Interesse (MIA-I) numa amostra de individuos de lingua Portuguesa (Estudo 1, N = 544). Os resultados sugerem o MIA-I como um instrumento valido e com niveis adequados de consistencia interna (Estudo 1; Estudo 2a) e mostram a sua capacidade para discriminar UIA entre diferentes relacionamentos (Estudo 1) e para distinguir UIA de paixao e amor (Estudo 1). Para um alvo desconhecido, o MIA-I permitiu ainda distinguir UIA de gostar (Estudo 2b). Estes resultados mostram que o MIA-I acede a um constructo especifico e diferenciado de gostar, paixao e amor, sugerindo a sua importância para a compreensao do fenomeno de atracao inicial unilateral.

Development and validation of the Measure of Initial Attraction (MIA) / Elaboración y validación de la Medida de Atracción Inicial (MAI)

Abstract Unilateral Initial Attraction (UIA) is a first unilateral awareness towards an unknown person and can be the starting point of an interest in voluntarily initiating an interaction or relationship. In order to create a measure tapping this feeling, Study 1 asked individuals to indicate attributes characterizing UIA (Phase 1), and to rate their centrality (Phase 2). These were used to develop the Measure of Initial Attraction (MIA) comprising one component of arousal and another of unilateral interest. While the former is shared with the love construct, the latter differentiates from measures of passion. The MIA proved to be a valid and reliable instrument with the capacity to discriminate UIA across different relationships (Study 2) and targets (Study 3), with good convergent validity (Study 3). Results are discussed within the framework of personal relationships.

Pattern-Oriented Analysis Of Communication Flow: The Case Study Of Cicada Barbara Lusitanica

This paper provides a general perspective concerning the study of flux of information in complex social systems. The recognition of communicative structures through pattern-matching in social systems allows the interpretation and prediction of behaviour in social networks. Applying the pattern-oriented approach suggests the possibility that through modelling, we can discover new previously unknown emergent patterns in complex systems of various kinds. In the present study, we examine the processes of pattern recognition and behaviour involved in cicada mating behaviour and argue that modelling such systems both uncovers and provides an explanation for emergent patterns. Experimental results indicate that cicada’s song recognition patterns are related to and explain the configuration of cicada’s dislocation and contact patterns.

The “I” in us, or the eye on us? Regulatory focus, commitment and derogation of an attractive alternative person

When individuals are highly committed to their romantic relationship, they are more likely to engage in pro-relationship maintenance mechanisms. The present research expanded on the notion that commitment redirects self-oriented goals to consider broader relational goals and examined whether commitment interacts with a promotion and prevention focus to activate derogation of attractive alternatives. Three studies used cross-sectional and experimental approaches. Study 1 showed that romantically involved individuals predominantly focused on promotion, but not prevention, reported less initial attraction to an attractive target than single individuals, especially when highly committed to their relationship. Study 2 showed that romantically involved individuals induced in a promotion focus, compared to those in prevention focus, reported less initial attraction, but only when more committed to their relationship. Regardless of regulatory focus manipulation, more committed individuals were also less likely to perceive quality among alternative scenarios and to be attentive to alternative others in general. Finally, Study 3 showed that romantically involved individuals induced in promotion focus and primed with high commitment reported less initial attraction, than those primed with low commitment, or than those induced in prevention focus. Once again, for these latter no differences occurred according to commitment prime. Together, the findings suggest that highly committed promotion focused individuals consider broader relationship goals and activate relationship maintenance behaviors such as derogation of attractive alternatives to promote their relationship.