Pers Soc Psychol Rev November 2021 PMID 34247524

We're Not That Choosy: Emerging Evidence of a Progression Bias in Romantic Relationships.

Samantha Joel, Geoff MacDonald

Mentions

96
Peak: 24 in Jul 2021
across 5 sources since Jul 2021

Extended reach

714,745
potential audience

Total likes

2,132

Video views

33,464

Mentions per month

Jul 2021 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter66 posts
  • News21 articles
  • Blogs4 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Numerous posts reference the idea of progression bias, suggesting people often choose to stay in relationships that may not be ideal. For instance, a discussion reads, 'Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one?' which shows an analytical approach to the article's themes. The tone ranges from reflective to critical, with some users pointing out possible oversights in the research, using phrases like 'overstated piece' and discussing societal structures that influence relationship decisions, thus enriching the dialogue surrounding the publication.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions express varying degrees of agreement with the publication's concepts, although some skeptics question its conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

There is considerable curiosity reflected in how users refer to the article and its implications in their discussions, suggesting a strong interest in the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

While some posts engage deeply with the material by referencing past research, others remain more surface-level, indicating mixed engagement depth.

ImpactHigh impact

The discourse implies that the article could significantly shape future discussions around relationship dynamics, highlighting its perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The article challenges the common belief that dating is a phase where partners are selective, suggesting instead that people are often biased towards maintaining romantic relationships, even if they're not ideal.
  • It examines evidence of this "progression bias" through the lenses of relationship initiation, investment, and breakup decisions, indicating that people might favor starting and staying in relationships rather than opting out.
  • The authors explore evolutionary and cultural reasons behind why it's often easier to get into a relationship than to end one, stressing that many would prefer a subpar relationship to being single.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Rolf Degen
@DegenRolf · X

The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater ease to initiate and maintain relationships than to reject someone or initiate a break-up. https://t.co/xEpdC933yH https://t.co/I7WfdzgWgd

Jul 10, 2021 · 113 likes · 19 shares · 69,279 followers View post →
Anxo Fernández Dopico
@Carnaina · X

4⃣ Este trabajo de 2020 resume las formas en que el sesgo de progresión empuja a las personas a comenzar y mantener relaciones con menos discreción de lo que suponen. https://t.co/4Z9Glkg3SB

Feb 11, 2022 · 31 likes · 2 shares · 6,169 followers View post →
William Costello
@CostelloWilliam · X

Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship often preferred to no relationship? @datingdecisions & @gmacdonalduoft argue that humans are biased toward pro-relationship decisions. https://t.co/CJrppn9i4x

Nov 26, 2021 · 28 likes · 9 shares · 16,621 followers View post →
David Schmitt
@PsychoSchmitt · X

"why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship is often preferred over being in no relationship at all" https://t.co/uA3v3Zocjr

Nov 17, 2021 · 20 likes · 10 shares · 12,458 followers View post →
Valencia
@manuel2585 · X

¿En realidad somos tan buenos en escoger una relación de pareja sana? Este artículo propone que las personas tenemos un sesgo (error de pensamiento) que provoca que entrar en una relación de pareja sea más fácil que salir de ella. Sigue

Nov 18, 2021 · 12 likes · 3 shares · 432 followers View post →
mambo number 5
@your1stsponsor · X

@Beachook @korrasass @sleepyhead2342 @ThePostsOffice Decades of research https://t.co/2BazZgW1vR https://t.co/a8aCGEirNn https://t.co/YPYd2cVIyA https://t.co/DPxthVQhf9 https://t.co/I8oakHoUqC https://t.co/ppZmUzrl8W https://t.co/Trxpbbhqrs https://t.co/IgqYviU7FF

Sep 7, 2023 · 11 likes · 70 followers View post →

All mentions

PsikoBilim
@Psikobilim_ · X

Çalışmanın açık erişim adresi: https://t.co/MDILNNSrBv

May 25, 2024 · 7 likes · 1 share · 83,357 followers View post →
Geoff MacDonald
@gmacdonalduoft · X

@jtrothwell We lay our argument here. I agree up to a point, but I think much of the time people chosen for non-marital relationships become the person you marry. I don't think relationship science well supports your premises. https://t.co/1n0bOnGuH0

Apr 21, 2024 · 1,724 followers View post →
mambo number 5
@your1stsponsor · X

@Beachook @korrasass @sleepyhead2342 @ThePostsOffice Decades of research https://t.co/2BazZgW1vR https://t.co/a8aCGEirNn https://t.co/YPYd2cVIyA https://t.co/DPxthVQhf9 https://t.co/I8oakHoUqC https://t.co/ppZmUzrl8W https://t.co/Trxpbbhqrs https://t.co/IgqYviU7FF

Sep 7, 2023 · 11 likes · 70 followers View post →
TIBER
@tibertilburg · X

Time for our second keynote speaker! Samantha Joel @datingdecisions is giving a talk titled “We're not that choosy: Emerging evidence of a progression bias in romantic relationships”. #TIBER2023 https://t.co/yMud125AkX

Aug 25, 2023 · 6 likes · 1 share · 359 followers View post →
yala
@vadengyarn · X

OKAY FIRST OF ALL ANG INTERESTING KAYA NG RESEARCH TITLE MO DON SA DAY 14 TAWANG TAWA AQ PLS PERO USTO Q TALAGA BASAHIN HNNNNNNG PERO WALA KAYA NAGHANAP NA LANG AQ NG SOMETHING SIMILAR JOURNAL ARTICLE

Apr 27, 2023 · 5 likes · 655 followers View post →
Geoff MacDonald
@gmacdonalduoft · X

@OMGchronicles Overstated piece imho. A series of assertions rather than arguments that ignores structural incentives for separateness (e.g., the advantage of mobile labour for business interests) and the strength of the human urge to bond with and give to others: https://t.co/1n0bOnGuH0

Sep 24, 2022 · 1,724 followers View post →
Marjorie Prokosch
@MlProkosch · X

@CostelloWilliam Makes me think of this paper (which still holds true): https://t.co/FfwEFFsjnb

Sep 1, 2022 · 2 likes · 853 followers View post →
Karla Ziegler
@mariposatuitera · X

RT @Carnaina: 4⃣ Este trabajo de 2020 resume las formas en que el sesgo de progresión empuja a las personas a comenzar y mantener relacione…

Feb 15, 2022 · 2 shares · 26,814 followers View post →
MarkoAmc
@MarkoAmc · X

RT @Carnaina: 4⃣ Este trabajo de 2020 resume las formas en que el sesgo de progresión empuja a las personas a comenzar y mantener relacione…

Feb 13, 2022 · 2 shares · 41 followers View post →
Diego Mendoza
@Diego_MenHer · X

Interesante investigación: "Estos estudios de laboratorio sugieren que las personas no solo tienen preferencias de citas débiles o maleables, sino que de hecho tienen un sesgo a favor de la búsqueda romántica." https://t.co/iFkKEDwvKC

Feb 13, 2022 · 563 followers View post →
Anxo Fernández Dopico
@Carnaina · X

4⃣ Este trabajo de 2020 resume las formas en que el sesgo de progresión empuja a las personas a comenzar y mantener relaciones con menos discreción de lo que suponen. https://t.co/4Z9Glkg3SB

Feb 11, 2022 · 31 likes · 2 shares · 6,169 followers View post →
Dr Pat
@pultinevicius · X

Interesting that we say yes to ~40% of speed-dating options - we are not picky. But I'd rather ask a different question: is speed/online dating altering our approach to romantic relationships? Is modern dating doing "quantity" than "quality"? https://t.co/BJt6w72KYS

Jan 10, 2022 · 59 followers View post →
KENNETH J LITTLE
@KJLBILLIONAIRE2 · X

https://t.co/lGBPl7jqFr

Jan 8, 2022 · 181 followers View post →
椎名
@Shiina_Hanamaru · X

恋愛関係はなりやすいのに別れるのはめっちゃ大変のようだよって研究ですヽ

Jan 6, 2022 · 10 likes · 80 followers View post →
DJ Rainbowchild (Levin Lo)
@Levin_Lo_TW · X

根據刊載於Personality and Social Psychology Review的研究顯示,面對愛情時,你可能沒有想像的那麼挑。 這個研究基於好幾份調查,包括一份針對一萬名快速約會參加人員的問卷。研究顯示人們傾向快速將情感依附於伴侶,並且即使感情品質不佳也傾向不分手。 https://t.co/ffHE8z42I7

Jan 6, 2022 · 7 likes · 2,976 followers View post →
satoeshi nakamoeto
@21satoeshi · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Dec 14, 2021 · 10 shares · 282 followers View post →
Gloriarq
@GloriaQuiles · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Dec 10, 2021 · 10 shares · 1,053 followers View post →
Nicole Patel
@minickii3 · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Dec 1, 2021 · 9 shares · 100 followers View post →
Aitza B
@petiteaitza · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 29, 2021 · 9 shares · 2,437 followers View post →
Stella
@ubiquitousnewt · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 28, 2021 · 9 shares · 5,089 followers View post →
Daniel Buk
@DanBuk4 · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 2,200 followers View post →
Eric Neumann
@EricNeumannPsy · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 12,073 followers View post →
Erin Westgate
@ErinWestgate · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 11,524 followers View post →
Rhonda Balzarini, PhD
@RhondaBalzarini · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 1,759 followers View post →
Brian D. Earp, Ph.D.
@briandavidearp · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 26,101 followers View post →
Patrick Lockwood
@AlobhaPatrick · X

RT @CostelloWilliam: Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 26, 2021 · 9 shares · 4,972 followers View post →
William Costello
@CostelloWilliam · X

Why is getting into a relationship often easier than getting out of one? Why is being in a less desirable relationship often preferred to no relationship? @datingdecisions & @gmacdonalduoft argue that humans are biased toward pro-relationship decisions. https://t.co/CJrppn9i4x

Nov 26, 2021 · 28 likes · 9 shares · 16,621 followers View post →
Brian Mayen
@BrianMayen1 · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 20, 2021 · 10 shares · 15 followers View post →
E
@elicorvera · X

RT @manuel2585: ¿En realidad somos tan buenos en escoger una relación de pareja sana? Este artículo propone que las personas tenemos un ses…

Nov 18, 2021 · 3 shares · 652 followers View post →
Torontonian Liberator
@PreserveCanada · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 18, 2021 · 10 shares · 27 followers View post →
Valencia
@manuel2585 · X

¿En realidad somos tan buenos en escoger una relación de pareja sana? Este artículo propone que las personas tenemos un sesgo (error de pensamiento) que provoca que entrar en una relación de pareja sea más fácil que salir de ella. Sigue

Nov 18, 2021 · 12 likes · 3 shares · 432 followers View post →
Yap Pheng Hui 葉鵬飛
@yapphenghui · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 18, 2021 · 10 shares · 15,616 followers View post →
Casi de Todo Miro
@CasiDeTodoMiro · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 18, 2021 · 10 shares · 165 followers View post →
Patricia Cantu
@Patricia_Cantu · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 18, 2021 · 10 shares · 2,737 followers View post →
Dr. Luis Ramos Neira, MD
@lramosneira · X

"A Bias Toward Progression Over Rejection in New Dating Relationships" Sesgo de progresión. Otro sesgo más para la libreta. https://t.co/y6BAX8Uzh3

Nov 17, 2021 · 2,259 followers View post →
Suso Riveiro
@susoriveiro · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 17, 2021 · 10 shares · 120 followers View post →
Livio Tridoli
@LivioTridoli · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship…

Nov 17, 2021 · 10 shares · 83 followers View post →
David Schmitt
@PsychoSchmitt · X

"why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship is often preferred over being in no relationship at all" https://t.co/uA3v3Zocjr

Nov 17, 2021 · 20 likes · 10 shares · 12,458 followers View post →
おくさん/OKUSUN
@Astella6174 · X

恋愛における『進行バイアス』 https://t.co/DL6WUxyof3 ヒトは、パートナーが長期的に自分に適しているかどうかを真剣に考えることなく、関係を築くための様々なステージを単に通過するだけであり、別れるメリットよりも別れるコストの方を過大に評価する。「これでいい」が当然になってる。

Aug 24, 2021 · 1 like · 1,183 followers View post →
おくさん/OKUSUN
@Astella6174 · X

RT @Astella6174: 『進行バイアス』 恋愛関係を続けるか迷ったら、人は関係を終わらせるより維持することを好む https://t.co/ktdBzLZtCn 人間関係の課題の解決には役立つかもしれないが、好ましくない関係を放置することにもなりかねない。どんな相手で…

Aug 15, 2021 · 1 share · 1,183 followers View post →
Andi Bernar
@andi_bernar · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Aug 7, 2021 · 19 shares · 200 followers View post →
おくさん/OKUSUN
@Astella6174 · X

『進行バイアス』 恋愛関係を続けるか迷ったら、人は関係を終わらせるより維持することを好む https://t.co/ktdBzLZtCn 人間関係の課題の解決には役立つかもしれないが、好ましくない関係を放置することにもなりかねない。どんな相手でもとりあえず自分の遺伝子を残すべきという進化的な背景の表れかも

Aug 7, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,183 followers View post →
Vipin Rathnakumaran
@Vipin_Rath · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 16, 2021 · 19 shares · 7 followers View post →
Brady Caldwell
@SkeptSwedScient · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: We’re Not That Choosy [esp men at beginning of romantic relationships]...but once things progress, most people want it t…

Jul 15, 2021 · 7 shares · 82 followers View post →
sakanoue no fusigi
@seeker98747 · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: We’re Not That Choosy [esp men at beginning of romantic relationships]...but once things progress, most people want it t…

Jul 13, 2021 · 7 shares · 333 followers View post →
ЯӨDПΣY ƬΛVΣЯΛƧ
@RodneyTaveras · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: We’re Not That Choosy [esp men at beginning of romantic relationships]...but once things progress, most people want it t…

Jul 13, 2021 · 7 shares · 177 followers View post →
Limor Gottlieb, PhD
@thatgirlevolved · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: We’re Not That Choosy [esp men at beginning of romantic relationships]...but once things progress, most people want it t…

Jul 13, 2021 · 7 shares · 779 followers View post →
Steve Stewart-Williams
@SteveStuWill · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: We’re Not That Choosy [esp men at beginning of romantic relationships]...but once things progress, most people want it t…

Jul 13, 2021 · 7 shares · 237,439 followers View post →
冬眠中のF
@DAMDAMF_M · X

RT @myuuko: 人類は向恋愛関係的判断をするよというレビュー論文。恋愛関係を始めるのが関係を終わらせるより簡単なのはなぜか,よくない恋愛関係の方が独り身より好まれるのはなぜか,など。/ We’re Not That Choosy: Emerging Evidence o…

Jul 12, 2021 · 1 share · 237 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

人類は向恋愛関係的判断をするよというレビュー論文。恋愛関係を始めるのが関係を終わらせるより簡単なのはなぜか,よくない恋愛関係の方が独り身より好まれるのはなぜか,など。/ We’re Not That Choosy: Emerging Evidence of a Progression Bias in Romantic Relationships https://t.co/tPH1cS46U7

Jul 12, 2021 · 10 likes · 1 share · 9,265 followers View post →
I don't know much
@paquibena · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 11, 2021 · 19 shares · 271 followers View post →
Jesse Livermore
@Jesse_Livermore · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 11, 2021 · 19 shares · 100,380 followers View post →
Edfreeman
@Edfreem58424229 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 142 followers View post →
HUPER
@HUPER09751767 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 81 followers View post →
Dickie Greenleaf
@xander_124 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 271 followers View post →
Oscar Contreras
@ooscar_88 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 1,467 followers View post →
https://bsky.app/profile/mujib.bsky.social
@mujib · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 1,345 followers View post →
Schleicher
@Schleichfreund · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 120 followers View post →
Ian
@IanAdAstra · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 4,058 followers View post →
Sarah Rodock
@SarahRodock · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 250 followers View post →
Fun and Games
@wwells668 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 1,318 followers View post →
Grilled
@GrilledCheesus7 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 445 followers View post →
Garth Godsman - ガース・ゴッズマン
@GarthGodsman · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 3,843 followers View post →
Ben Andrews
@AirPancake23 · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 226 followers View post →
5G RESONANT VESSEL
@Schmamby · X

RT @DegenRolf: The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater eas…

Jul 10, 2021 · 19 shares · 148 followers View post →
Rolf Degen
@DegenRolf · X

The evolutionary imperative to find a mate and reproduce has created a bias toward pro-relationship decisions: A greater ease to initiate and maintain relationships than to reject someone or initiate a break-up. https://t.co/xEpdC933yH https://t.co/I7WfdzgWgd

Jul 10, 2021 · 113 likes · 19 shares · 69,279 followers View post →