Language Style Matching Predicts Relationship Initiation and Stability

Abstract

Previous relationship research has largely ignored the importance of similarity in how people talk with one another. Using natural language samples, we investigated whether similarity in dyads' use of function words, called language style matching (LSM), predicts outcomes for romantic relationships. In Study 1, greater LSM in transcripts of 40 speed dates predicted increased likelihood of mutual romantic interest (odds ratio = 3.05). Overall, 33.3% of pairs with LSM above the median mutually desired future contact, compared with 9.1% of pairs with LSM at or below the median. In Study 2, LSM in 86 couples' instant messages positively predicted relationship stability at a 3-month follow-up (odds ratio = 1.95). Specifically, 76.7% of couples with LSM greater than the median were still dating at the follow-up, compared with 53.5% of couples with LSM at or below the median. LSM appears to reflect implicit interpersonal processes central to romantic relationships.

She Said, She Said: Differential Interpersonal Similarities Predict Unique Linguistic Mimicry in Online Word of Mouth

“…For example, mimicry of negative emotion words decreases trust in dyadic interactions (Scissors et al 2008). Together with the linguistic style results above, these findings suggest that in an affiliation-oriented context (i.e., when personal similarity is high), mimicry of linguistic content may have positive consequences, while in an achievement-oriented context (i.e., when status similarity is high), mimicry of linguistic content may have negative consequences (Ireland et al 2011;Ireland and Henderson 2014;Scissors et al 2008). Combining this literature with our experimental findings, we predict that personal similarity should increase social and positive emotion word mimicry, and this should increase forum engagement, whereas status similarity should increase cognitive and descriptive word mimicry, and this should decrease forum engagement.…”

“…For example, while linguistic style mimicry increases romantic interest in a speed-dating (affiliation-oriented) context (Ireland et al 2011), it is also more likely to lead to an impasse in negotiations in a competitive (achievement-21 oriented) context (Ireland and Henderson 2014). Based on this, we might expect increased forum engagement from function word mimicry as a result of personal similarity, but decreased forum engagement from function word mimicry as a result of status similarity.…”

“…For example, higher levels of linguistic mimicry increase romantic interest between individuals who are speed-dating (Ireland et al 2011), increase preferences for products (Tanner et al 2008), and increase team performance, trust, and cohesion (Gonzales et. al 2010;Huffaker et al 2011;Swaab, Maddux and Sinaceur 2011).…”

Predict Quit Rate of Group from User Behavioral and Social Information

“…In the QQ groups, a user's experience in group may be influenced by others' behavioral in the group [18]. For example, if someone sends a message in a group but no one replies him, he will leave this group probably.…”

“…However, the members in topical groups may not know each other in the real world. They gather in the same group as they have some common interest [17].In the QQ groups, a user's experience in group may be influenced by others' behavioral in the group [18]. For example, if someone sends a message in a group but no one replies him, he will leave this group probably.…”