Fact check: Mate poachers are mentally and emotionally disturbed

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

Research shows mate poaching is a complex mating strategy that occurs in 30-50% of both men and women, with practitioners showing higher levels of "Dark Triad" personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy). While these individuals may experience psychological costs like shame and jealousy, the behavior is recognized as a strategic approach rather than a sign of mental illness.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

The original statement omits several crucial perspectives:

• Evolutionary biologists view mate poaching as a calculated mating strategy that can provide genetic and resource advantages
• The behavior exists on a spectrum and can be motivated by various factors including the desire for long-term relationships
• Mate poaching has been documented as a common phenomenon across cultures, suggesting it's more than just individual psychological dysfunction
• The behavior can lead to successful long-term relationships, indicating it's not purely destructive

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The statement makes several problematic assumptions:

• It presents a false binary by suggesting all mate poachers are mentally disturbed, when research shows it's a widespread behavior
• It pathologizes a common mating strategy that, while potentially harmful, isn't necessarily indicative of mental illness
• It ignores the evolutionary and social contexts that influence mate poaching behavior
• The use of "disturbed" is an emotionally charged term that lacks scientific basis and could be used to unfairly stigmatize individuals who engage in this behavior

The statement appears to reflect a moralistic rather than scientific perspective, potentially serving those who benefit from maintaining traditional relationship structures and social norms.