The Science of Serendipity and Why Meeting in Real Life Matters

In an age where dating apps dominate, something important is getting lost: serendipity—those chance encounters that turn into real connections. While swiping through endless profiles may seem efficient, meeting someone in real life has a uniqueness that algorithms can’t copy.

The Power of Presence

When you meet someone in person, everything changes. Body language, eye contact, and subtle cues—things that don’t translate through a screen—play a huge role in attraction.

Science backs this up. Research shows that face-to-face interactions trigger the release of oxytocin, also known as the “bonding hormone,” which creates trust and deeper emotional connections. Compare that to the dopamine rush of getting a match on an app, which fades quickly and often leads nowhere.

More Than a Highlight Reel

Dating apps give you a curated version of someone—filtered selfies, pristine bios, and crafted messages. In person, you see the real version of someone: how they interact with others, their sense of humor, their energy. 

Plus, first impressions are often more accurate in person than online. A 2021 study by the NIH found that people are better at assessing compatibility after a brief real-life interaction than after chatting virtually for weeks.

Shared Experiences Create Stronger Bonds

Some of the best relationships start not with a calculated search but with shared moments—grabbing drinks with friends, attending the same concert, or making eye contact at a coffee shop.

That's why NeverMissed is built around real-life experiences. If it’s at an event, a Fleeting Moment helps you recapture a moment you don’t want to slip away, or checking in to see who’s around, we help turn those everyday interactions into something meaningful.

The Bottom Line

The best connections aren’t forced—they happen naturally. While some of those other dating apps can introduce you to people, nothing beats meeting someone in real life. 

And if you do have a Fleeting Moment? NeverMissed is here to help you reconnect.