Human beings are described as rational calculators, devising numerical equations to represent their relational lives. A lot of criticism has been raised because many people oppose this concept. Are people really walking calculators who use equations to determine their relationship lives? Many disagree with this because it is too big of an assumption to make considering how different everyone is. From first-hand experience, I don't consciously do equations in my head to determine every decision related to my relationship. There are also many other factors that influence the decision-making process beyond the obvious benefits and costs. Social exchange presupposes a great deal of awareness and mental activity. People don't always pay attention to every little detail, which is necessary for the application of SET. Researchers haven't come to a definitive answer about how much people value their relationship lives, but this calculation likely fluctuates based on many factors. First, some situations can make people more aware than others. Second, everyone processes information differently. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs when it comes to costs and benefits, so it seems to be very difficult to really determine how people will generally determine value in their relationships. As researchers continue to work with this theory, they must take these and other related factors into account