## Introduction When users scroll through dating site profiles, their brain takes rapid decisions based on limited visual information. A new research suggests that these rapid decisions are based on two distinct cognitive processes: one that evaluates facial beauty and another that interprets social context of images. ## The Two-Pathway Heuristic Model The 'vibe' is not enough to guarantee online success. A new research has discovered that users' rapid decisions on dating sites are based on two distinct cognitive processes: one that evaluates facial beauty and another that interprets social context of images. ## The role of facial beauty The research found that facial beauty is a fundamental factor for online success. For both sexes, having a beautiful figure is a predictor of success. The effect is particularly strong for male profiles. ## The 'vibe' The 'vibe' is not enough to guarantee online success. However, once the barrier of facial beauty is overcome, the 'vibe' becomes an important factor. Profiles that show signs of social capital (e.g., friend groups or event scenes) receive more matches. ## Economy and culture Economy and culture are also important factors in the 'vibe'. Profiles that show signs of wealth (e.g., luxury clothing or elegant environments) receive more matches. However, this effect is particularly strong for male profiles. ## The combination of beauty and 'vibe' The combination of facial beauty with signs of social capital or wealth can have a negative effect on online success. In other words, if an user is already very beautiful, adding signs of social capital or wealth does not increase their success. ## Limitations of the research The research has some limitations. The data used were collected only in South Korea, a country with specific cultural norms regarding beauty and relationships. The results may vary in Western contexts or other Asian countries. ## Conclusion The research suggests that users' rapid decisions on dating sites are based on two distinct cognitive processes: one that evaluates facial beauty and another that interprets social context of images. The 'vibe' is not enough to guarantee online success, but can be an important factor once the barrier of facial beauty is overcome. ## Implications The implications of this research are important. Dating sites should be aware that facial beauty is a fundamental factor for online success, but also that the 'vibe' can be an important factor. ## Future direction of the research The research has opened up new avenues of investigation. The future research could explore how text and images interact with each other to confirm or contradict the effects observed in this research.