Researchers found that reciprocity of liking doesn't work when

Reciprocity of liking is the psychological principle suggesting that when someone expresses liking for another person, the other person is likely to feel the same in return. However, researchers have found that this effect doesn't always hold true. Reciprocity of liking might not work in the following conditions:

1. Lack of initial attraction: If there is no initial attraction or interest, the expression of liking by one person may not induce similar feelings in the other.

2. Perceived ulterior motives: If the expression of liking is viewed as having an ulterior motive or as insincere, the other person may not respond with liking in turn.

3. Significant differences in social status or power dynamics: In situations where there is a large gap in social status or power dynamics, the reciprocity of liking may not occur because the individual of lower status might feel too intimidated or unworthy to reciprocate.

4. Negative first impressions: If the first impression was strongly negative, subsequent expressions of liking may not be enough to overcome the initial judgment.

5. Personal insecurities: An individual's self-esteem and personal insecurities can also affect the potency of reciprocity of liking. Someone with low self-esteem might doubt the genuineness of the other person's feelings and not reciprocate them.

6. Cultural differences: Different cultures may have varying norms regarding the expression and recognition of liking, which can affect how reciprocity of liking operates.

7. Emotional or situational context: The emotional state or the situation that a person is currently in can influence their response to others' expressions of liking.

Extra: Reciprocity of liking is based on the principle of reciprocal altruism, where mutual cooperation and social exchange foster positive interpersonal relationships. According to social psychology, interpersonal attractions are influenced by factors like proximity, familiarity, similarity, physical attractiveness, and, indeed, reciprocity. Reciprocity of liking can be understood in a broader context within social exchange theory, which posits that human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives. The theory implies that people are more likely to like others who provide them with rewards, such as social approval or validation, and that these feelings are often returned, thereby creating a positive cycle of mutual liking and reinforcement. However, as noted above, certain mitigating factors can disrupt this cycle, leading to situations where reciprocity of liking does not manifest as expected.