In 1965, the world witnessed a novel approach to romance with the launch of Tact, a computer-aided dating service in New York City. Conceived by Bob Ross, a computer programmer at IBM, and Lewis Altfest, an accountant, Tact marked a daring venture into the realm of matchmaking technology. Initially confined to the Upper East Side, the service soon expanded throughout the entire city, attracting thousands eager to be matched by the power of computation. Despite its imperfections and reliance on stereotypes, Tact represented a pioneering shift towards modern dating attitudes.
The inception of Tact was propelled by a blend of technological curiosity and the desire to transform social interactions. Bob Ross and Lewis Altfest envisioned a service that could transcend traditional matchmaking methods by employing computers to analyze compatibility. Ross emphasized the innovative nature of Tact, stating:
"It's not a marriage brokerage service. It's a new fun way of meeting new people." – Bob Ross
The service invited "all fun-loving people between 18 and 45" to participate. For an entry fee of $5 (£2), individuals completed a questionnaire designed to reveal their personality traits and preferences. This questionnaire, crafted with input from psychologist Dr. Salvatore V. Didato, aimed to assess compatibility on three levels: socio-cultural factors, opinions and values, and psychological factors.
Despite its groundbreaking nature, Tact's questionnaire leaned heavily on societal stereotypes of the time. Men were asked to rank women's hairstyles, while women specified locations where they might encounter their ideal partner. This approach reflected the cultural norms of the era but also highlighted the limitations in comprehensively understanding human connections through purely quantitative measures.
Once participants submitted their responses, they faced an extended waiting period before receiving their matches. The inefficiency of the process meant weeks could pass before hopefuls learned who they had been paired with. This delay posed challenges for those seeking immediate connections in a fast-paced city like New York.
Communication between matches took place via phone or post, presenting an additional hurdle in fostering relationships. To mitigate these obstacles and encourage interaction, Tact organized social gatherings. These parties aimed to provide a platform for matches to meet in person and explore potential connections. However, success varied, as illustrated by one particular event where a public relations man struggled to energize attendees until after nightfall.
Bob Ross candidly acknowledged the diverse motivations of Tact's clientele:
"People go into Tact for a number of reasons. Some of the people go into it just to meet new people, to get a lot of dates… some people want to get more serious, they are interested in forming a more lasting relationship, and then there are people who just want to get married." – Bob Ross
The eclectic mix of participants ensured that Tact served as both a social experiment and a reflection of evolving societal attitudes towards dating. While some approached it with hopes of finding lifelong companionship, others sought merely to expand their social circles.
In its pursuit of compatibility, Tact sometimes yielded unexpected results. Ross humorously recounted one memorable instance:
"We matched an older brother with his younger sister," – Bob Ross
This anecdote underscored the unpredictability inherent in relying solely on algorithmic matchmaking without human oversight. Yet, despite such mishaps, Tact remained a testament to the potential of technology in reshaping personal relationships.
Tact was not without competition. Earlier that same year, Harvard students introduced Operation Match, another computer-aided dating service that captured public interest. However, Tact distinguished itself by offering a more localized approach within New York City and emphasizing social engagement through its organized events.
Participants often reflected on their experiences with Tact's questionnaire, which sought to delve into personal preferences and attitudes. A typical customer remarked:
"I worry over my relationships with people – yes. I enjoy people who express affection freely – yes. Most of the time I act as an independent – no. I enjoy going to parties – yes."
Such introspective responses highlighted the diversity of personalities drawn to Tact and their varied expectations from the service.
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