Neural-Network Profile Filter
Choose profile images that attract compatible people and repel mismatches
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 97%
Van Edwards argues that props, colors, backgrounds, places, and activities activate networks of associations in the viewer. The method starts with the desired person or opportunity, then asks what each image is likely to signal to that audience. A ski picture may evoke adventure and family holidays for one viewer but cold, fear, and injury for another. That split is useful: the profile should create both attractors and “allergies” so incompatible people opt out. Audit repeated cues especially closely. If most images contain cocktails while the person wants a settled family life, the pattern may communicate a different priority. Replace it with truthful images of the work, weekends, places, and activities a compatible person could realistically join.
Origin
Extracted from The Diary of a CEO
Core principles
- 01Images trigger associations beyond their literal subject
- 02A useful profile attracts the right person rather than everyone
- 03Repeated props can communicate an unintended identity
- 04Visual cues should show the life you actually want to share
How to run it
- 1
Define the match
Describe the values, activities, and future that the desired relationship or opportunity should share.
Pro tip Use concrete weekend and working-life details rather than a generic “good person.”
Watch out Do not design a fictional identity to fit an imagined audience.
- 2
Inventory the cues
Review every visible prop, background, outfit, activity, and repeated pattern in the profile.
Pro tip Count repeated objects such as drinks, conference stages, pets, or sports gear.
- 3
Name likely associations
For each image, list the positive and negative associations a compatible viewer might plausibly form.
Pro tip Ask two trusted people for their unprompted first associations.
Watch out Associations vary; one interpretation is not universal.
- 4
Correct the pattern
Remove or rebalance recurring cues that dominate the profile with an identity you do not intend.
Pro tip Replace rather than merely delete by showing truthful desired activities.
- 5
Preserve useful allergies
Keep authentic cues that will repel incompatible people while attracting those who want the same life.
Pro tip Optimize for fit, not total approval.
Watch out Creating an allergy is not permission to demean people with different preferences.
In the wild
Bartlett describes a friend who wants a committed partner and family but appears with a cocktail in about 80% of her Instagram images. Van Edwards says viewers may associate the profile with a party-focused life. She suggests showing truthful activities the friend would want to share with a partner, such as work, running, hiking, pets, or food.
→ The profile begins signaling the life and partnership she says she wants.
Common mistakes
Trying to appeal to everyone
A profile without useful incompatibility can generate more mismatched dates or opportunities.
Ignoring repeated props
One image may be ambiguous, but a dominant repeated cue can become the profile's perceived identity.
Is it for you?
Best for
Dating profiles and personal brands whose current images attract attention but the wrong expectations.
Not ideal for
Fabricating a lifestyle, hiding material truths, or optimizing solely for broad approval.
From the transcript
“Every picture on your profile should be creating allergies and attractors.”
“She should be taking pictures of what she wants to do with her partner.”
From the episode
The Body Language Expert: Stop Using This, It’s Making People Dislike You, So Are These Subtle Mistakes! Your Resting Face Matters & How To Fix It!