What Big Data Can Teach You About Love and Friendship
Recent headlines make it sound like big data is taking over the world. The term is still evolving, but it basically refers to large amounts of information that are difficult to process in traditional ways. While the concept is usually discussed in business settings, it can be applied to any aspects of your life, including love and friendship.
Generate your own insights and predictive analytics about the future of your relationships. Take a look at connecting with others from a big data perspective.
Big Data Insights into Love and Friendship
eHarmony and Netflix match you up with compatible people or mystery movies based on how you answer their questions. You, too, can use modern technologies and methods to find love and friendship.
1. Go online.
More than a third of new marriages begin online, and couples who meet online report higher marriage satisfaction, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. It’s an effective way to clarify what you’re looking for in a partner and meet more singles.
2. Personalize your goals.
Families come in many different shapes today. You may want to marry and have children early in life. You may find happiness in other arrangements.
3. Seek companionship.
As adults live longer, many men and women place a higher value on companionship. Being able to talk with someone is likely to matter more than their physical appearance or financial status.
4. Make new friends.
Longer life spans may also mean that you’ll need to keep making friends in your later years. It may require more effort than it did when you are were a student or new parent, but the rewards are worth it.
On the other hand, you can hang onto your old friends even if you live on opposite sides of the world. Schedule regular video calls or plan your vacations together.
6. Bond at work.
If your career plays a large part in your life, you may enjoy participating in professional associations and socializing with your colleagues. Whatever you do for a living, office friendships can add to your job satisfaction.
7. Explore shared interests.
Maybe your passions have more to do with your leisure interests. Browse Meetup or start a group who will want to join you for weekend hikes or local theater performances.
Applying Predictive Analytics to Love and Friendship
Companies use big data to predict what their customers will buy next or what product features they want. You can usually figure out what your future will look like based on your behavior today.
1. Practice kindness.
Being thoughtful and compassionate will draw people to you. It’s impossible to predict when you will run into someone you want to know better, so stay in practice.
2. Give generously.
Look for ways to brighten someone else’s day. You’ll feel happier, and experience fewer conflicts. Ask a co-worker how you can help them meet a proposal deadline. Shovel the snow off the sidewalk for an elderly neighbor.
3. Communicate openly.
Strong communication skills will make your relationships run more smoothly. Speak directly and tactfully. Listen attentively. Express your appreciation and offer constructive feedback.
4. Take risks.
Welcoming love and friendship into your life requires you to be vulnerable at times. You may sometimes feel rejected or hesitant to reveal your true thoughts. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love, and focus on what you have to gain.
Even in a rapidly changing world, some things remain the same. Big data and technology offer new ways to enhance your love life and broaden your social circle. At the same time, you can still attract your next dinner date or best friend by cultivating a loving heart.
