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Inside OKCupid: The math of online dating - Christian Rudder

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When two people join a dating website, they are matched according to shared interests and how they answer a number of personal questions. But how do sites calculate the likelihood of a successful relationship? Christian Rudder, one of the founders of popular dating site OKCupid, details the algorithm behind 'hitting it off.'

Why does the algorithm multiply as opposed to average the two match scores together?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animation Artist Celeste Lai
  • Educator Christian Rudder
  • Director Franz Palomares
  • Narrator Christian Rudder

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