When choosing a long-term mate, men value looks (fertility and genetic health) slightly more than women, while women value wealth and status (ability to provide and protect) significantly more than men.

However, when choosing a short-term partner (one-night stands, etc.), both men and women value looks above all else. This effect is particularly pronounced on highly superficial looks-based dating apps, like Tinder.

Sources:
- Walter (2020), Sex Differences in Mate Preferences Across 45 Countries: A Large-Scale Replication
- Buss (2016), Evolutionary Psychology
- Witmer (2025), The relative importance of looks, height, job, bio, intelligence, and homophily in online dating
- Li (2006), Sex similarities and differences in preferences for short-term mates

#fertility