I have a negative perception of both LinkedIn and OKCupid, and of matchmaking services in general.
The strength of these platforms is the same as their weakness: they aim to eliminate suboptimal outcomes. While that is beneficial on the surface, I take issue with how it effectively rules out any chance of unlikely matches somehow working out. The question of “Do I give them a chance based on just a feeling?” never needs to get raised. Considering how significant both personal and professional relationships are in people’s lives, to me it’s akin to deciding someone’s fate on the basis of a prediction. It doesn’t leave much room for people to exercise free will, or it at least doesn’t prioritize it.
From the standpoint of optimization above all else, these services are immensely valuable, so it makes sense to at least consider them for various purposes. However, for me, the benefits are outweighed by the feeling of infringing on people’s free will.
The strength of these platforms is the same as their weakness: they aim to eliminate suboptimal outcomes. While that is beneficial on the surface, I take issue with how it effectively rules out any chance of unlikely matches somehow working out. The question of “Do I give them a chance based on just a feeling?” never needs to get raised. Considering how significant both personal and professional relationships are in people’s lives, to me it’s akin to deciding someone’s fate on the basis of a prediction. It doesn’t leave much room for people to exercise free will, or it at least doesn’t prioritize it.
From the standpoint of optimization above all else, these services are immensely valuable, so it makes sense to at least consider them for various purposes. However, for me, the benefits are outweighed by the feeling of infringing on people’s free will.