How personality traits influence the way we flirt with others
Phys.org••health
Key Points:
- New research reveals that flirting is not only a way to signal romantic interest but also a strategic tool used to achieve personal goals, influenced by personality traits.
- A study involving 955 participants and nearly 2,000 acquaintances found that individuals with darker personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) are more likely to use flirting instrumentally to gain advantages like promotions or free drinks.
- People with lighter personality traits, such as humanism and faith in humanity, tend to flirt less for personal gain and more for genuine connection.
- Women are generally more likely than men to engage in instrumental flirting, possibly due to receiving more social rewards and greater success in such interactions.
- The environment plays a
