Pua

Pickup artist (PUA) is a term for a person who studies and applies strategies intended to attract and initiate romantic or sexual interactions. The modern PUA subculture emerged in the late 20th century within self-help and online communities and gained wider public attention through Neil Strauss’s book The Game (2005) and the subsequent market for seminars, videos, and discussion forums.

PUA methods are described by practitioners as techniques for reading social cues, increasing confidence, and improving everyday communication. Core concepts include creating perceived value, leveraging social proof, and using routines or patterns of flirtation. Some terms commonly associated with the movement are negging, peacocking, and cold approach, though descriptions vary across sources and communities. Critics argue that many techniques rely on manipulation, power imbalances, and objectification, and may encourage boundary violations or coercion.

Ethical concerns are central to the debate about PUAs. Critics contend that the methods can promote disrespectful behavior and gendered stereotypes, potentially harming both participants and targets. Researchers in psychology and gender studies have questioned the efficacy and ethics of the approaches, noting that experiences with dating advice are diverse and context-dependent.

Today, the PUA landscape is heterogeneous. Some former practitioners advocate consent-based, respectful dating and emphasize communication and emotional intelligence, while others distance themselves from fringe or harmful practices. The rise of dating apps and evolving social norms has also influenced the relevance and reception of pickup-oriented advice.