Looking for love online? You might want to think about changing your name.
A new study by researchers at Humboldt University in Berlin says people are less likely to click on your name if it’s not, well, hot.
The study focused on eDarling, one of Europe’s top dating sites.
“We examine the effects of unfortunate German first names on relationship devaluation and interpersonal neglect in the online-dating context,” the authors said in a summary of the study on the Humboldt website.
Now, we know what you're thinking: Years of admiring scantily clad profile pictures have taught you otherwise: that looks -- not names -- matter. In Europe, apparently, not so much.
Examining 200,000 online profiles from 12 European countries, the study found that names associated with troublesome types included the “unfortunate” Dennis, Jacqueline, Chantal, Celina, Justin and Kevin -- lots of Kevin-haters in Germany, the study said.
"Good" names included several that were Biblical or royal, including Jacob, Charlotte, Mark, Peter and Alexander, the study said.
“Mails sent from an Alexander were clicked on 102% more times than those from a Kevin,’ said the study’s lead author, Jochen Gebauer, according to the Daily Mail.
“Single people would seem to prefer to remain alone than meet up with someone called Kevin or Chantal,” Gebauer told the Mail.
Wait, so could that explain why we’ve been ignoring Kevin’s request for a follow-back on Twitter? On Facebook, do we not “like” Kevin?
And doesn't America have some awesome Kevins? Kevin Bacon, Kevin Jonas, Kevin Costner, Kevin Hart, Kevin Federline -- we could go on...
German scientists have been picking on Kevin for some time. In a 2009 study, 2,000 teachers gaged the likelihood of academic success based on first names. A majority said “Kevin” was especially headed for trouble. One study participant even wrote the catchy refrain, “Kevin is not a name – it’s a diagnosis!”
What do you think, America? Would an undesirable first name preclude you from showing some love to a potential suitor online?
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