Pretty People

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Many threads and posts here indicate that emphasis should NOT be placed upon physical beauty, at least not heavily. I agree.

However, if that is truly the case, why does EVERY photo presented as headers or advertising by eHarmony and most other dating sites depict "beautiful people"? Even "senior dating" sites use models who are "one in a thousand" in appearance (and probably younger than their target audience).

I understand that companies that sell clothing, automobiles or appliances use beautiful models representing their product – to maximize their income from advertising. What, then, is the objective of dating sites using exclusively beautiful models? Is the objective to maximize income – rather than promote development of relationships?

If any of us actually believe that overweight people are attractive, why do the dating sites' photos show only slim people? If we accept that age should not be regarded negatively, why are all the models young?

Wouldn't it be more honest use a cross section of the membership in photos by the site?

However, I think the deeper, unconscious truth is that beauty appeals to us all.

I want to see the short, bald guy paired with a female supermodel from eHarmony.

I think we've been trained by the media and Hollywood to only admire a "flawless" beauty.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we are a culture of people who mostly judge everything by appearances. If it looks good, it has to be good.

I've read that research has shown that babies (untrained to whom they're supposed to be attracted) are drawn to beautiful people. So it is possible that it is instinctive, probably as a result of evolution.