Herald Cela

Modeling Human Mating Behavior in Online Dating Platforms

My PhD project focuses on modeling human mating behavior within online dating platforms, particularly swiping apps. I aim to explore the potential addictive nature of these platforms and their impact on mental health, drawing insights from game theory principles. Utilizing computational methods such as Agent-Based Modeling Simulation (ABMS) and Social Network Analysis (SNA), I analyze user behavior to uncover emergent patterns and understand the dynamics of the online dating ecosystem. By examining how individual interactions shape community-level outcomes, I aim to identify stable strategies over time, evaluate critical points of system resilience, and explore equilibrium states. Through this research, I seek to provide insights into mitigating potential harms associated with online dating while maximizing its benefits for social connection and well-being.