Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Impact of Playing the Otome Game on Single Women’s Interest in Real-life Romantic Relationships

Jitong ChenDepartment of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, USA Linni YuIvey Business School, Western University, London, Canada* Yinduo JiangDepartment of Psychology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, China

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Otome games have gained popularity among women, offering a space to fulfill their emotional and romantic desires. This study explores how playing Otome games may reduce single women’s interest in real-life romantic relationships through the lens of evolutionary psychology. We designed a study with 200 single Chinese women aged 18-35 who have not previously played Otome games, to play an Otome game called Love and Deepspace for three months and we will record their gaming time and monetary expenditure. The study aims to test the hypothesis that increased engagement in Otome games, measured by time and money spent, negatively correlates with participants’ interests in real-life romantic relationships. Our research examines how supernormal stimuli—idealized traits in virtual romantic partners—appeal to female mating preferences, contributing to an evolutionary mismatch. This mismatch may have significant implications for how modern virtual dating experiences shape romantic behaviors, with potential effects on societal trends such as declining interest in real-life romantic relationships.

Keywords: Otome games; virtual love; supernormal stimulus
Published: June 9, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.23641
Volume: CHR Vol.70
pp. 203-208
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