The Trophy Effect

Continuing on effects, remember the famous Swan Tribe effect? This is a similar effect, only on a smaller scale.

This time, it only involves two people. One up on a higher social ladder, one on the lower, but not so low. Before we continue, let's have the Glossary out.

Glossary

Trophy = Person on the higher steps of social ladder

Hunter = Person on the lower rungs

Mechanism

The trophy is always seen with the hunter. The hunter is persistent that they always stay together. The effect is that most people might think they are in a relationship of sorts. This hurts the trophy's social standing, but does good to the hunter's. People who are not really familiar with the hunter would keep their noses out of his/her business and assume they really are in something. People will think the hunter must have that something extraordinary outside of what is observable that got him/her the trophy.

Looking as if s/he is a very successful hunter to have such a trophy, it gives the hunter access to various social powers s/he couldn't normally exercise.

Benefits

Trophy Effect benefits on the Hunter includes, but is not limited to, the following: increased confidence, bragging rights, increased desirability, aura of mystery popular among women and men alike.

Damages

Of course on the downside, the trophy will be thought of having crappy taste, have his market value diminished. And being thought off the market, s/he loses a few options--same thing goes for the hunter. Also, with the hunter always being around the trophy, it would be very hard to get the trophy alone.

Pitfalls

Trophy effect is hard to discern if you are not close to both persons. To avoid being a trophy, which does you more harm than good, best be wary if someone gets too close to you too often. Having someone too often beside you might signal your unavailability. This is not good if you want to catch fish still.

Social feedback, like an old woman saying you look good a couple, should also be always noted. As added protection, avoid having pictures of you tagged together with the hunter on various social networking sites--as this are often viewable by public.