News Psychology

Smiles tweaked by AI can boost attraction, a speed-dating study shows

Shifting smiles with face filters reveals how technology can manipulate feelings of attraction

A woman on a computer screen smiles while she looks at a smaller square of a man, who is also smiling.

A video speed-dating experiment revealed the power of a smile: Subtle enhancements led to higher levels of attraction.

David Malan/Stone, Getty Images

By Laura Sanders

A well-timed smile could be the ultimate speed-dating hack. Smiles enhanced by artificial intelligence during video chats led to higher romantic attraction, researchers report October 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Face filters, available to social media users worldwide, can smooth blemishes, whiten teeth and highlight hair.