Choosing a Tinder profile picture seems like a free, personal and creative act. But to what extent is that true? A new study developed by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) reveals that, far from being unique, most users opt for one of a very limited number of visual strategies. The research, conducted by Alejandro García Alamán, a member of the CIRCLE Lab and course instructor at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, identifies nine standardized types of profile that are systematically repeated on these kinds of platforms.

The study, based on an analysis of 1,000 real Tinder profiles in the Barcelona area, was published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine and combines psychological methods with data analysis and machine-learning techniques.

Study reveals how end-of-world beliefs shape Americans’ response to global threats

A new study published in JMIR Dermatology shows that TikTok has become a major source of education and support for people with skin of color living with hidradenitis suppurativa—a chronic, painful inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects people of color.

Arizona State University and Columbia University research finds that increased flood strikes and outdated flood prediction led to meager payouts for homeowners and massive debt for the National Flood Insurance Program — but there is a way out.

Researchers from the University of Kasnas analyzed social and health data for more than 1,000 counties across the United States. They found counties with high levels of civic engagement had better health outcomes for white commmunities located therein, but did not found equally improved outcomes for black communities. The results show that more research is needed to understand health disparities and to help design health interventions designed with and for all residents, not based on assumptions that what works for one demographic will work for all, researchers argue.

Weight-based teasing is linked to unhealthy behaviors and physiological responses in adults and youth according to new research from IU assistant professor of anthropology Jennifer Cullin.