- Scientists surveyed 923 people who met their partner online or offline
- Those who met on dating apps had lower marital satisfaction and stability
While dating apps were once seen as taboo, they are now one of the most popular ways for couples to connect.
Whether it’s Tinder, Bumble or even singles with food allergies, figures show that a third of marriages start online.
But a new study suggests that if you want a happy marriage, swiping right isn’t the best way to go.
Researchers at Arizona State University say couples who meet on dating apps are more unhappy in their marriages than people who meet in the real world.
“The results support an online dating effect, especially by showing that people who meet online report different levels of satisfaction and stability than those who meet offline,” the researchers said.
Whether it’s Tinder, Bumble or even singles with food allergies, figures show that a third of marriages start online. But a new study suggests that if you want a happy marriage, swiping right isn’t the best way (stock image)
Researchers at Arizona State University say couples who meet on dating apps are unhappier in their marriages than people who meet in the real world
The very first incarnation of a dating app dates back to 1995, when Match.com first launched.
Since then, thousands of dating apps have taken over the online space, and an estimated 21.9 percent of people in the US now use them.
In their new research, the team wanted to understand whether meeting online affects your marital satisfaction.
The researchers recruited 923 married participants, who were surveyed about their marital satisfaction and stability.
About half (49.3 percent) of participants had met their partner online, through dating apps such as Grindr, Tinder or Bumble.
The remaining 50.7 percent had met offline, including through work, at university or in a bar or club.
To assess their marital satisfaction, participants were asked to answer questions including “how well does your partner meet your needs?” and ‘how satisfied are you with your marriage overall?’
Meanwhile, questions were asked to assess the stability of their marriage, including “Have you or your spouse ever seriously entertained the idea of divorce?”
The results showed that couples who met online tended to be younger, had more dating experience, and were more likely to be in gay or interracial marriages than those who met offline.
Participants who met online also reported lower marital satisfaction and stability.
While the reason for the findings remains unclear, the researchers suggest it may have to do with the stigma associated with meeting online.
Liesel Sharabi, lead author of the study, said: ‘Our research shows that it is the stigma around their relationship that puts pressure on online couples. same-sex couple, or because they feel judged for meeting their partner online.”
Fortunately, researchers say that awareness of this stigma can help increase your chances of a happy marriage.
“Being aware of these obstacles can help online couples have a longer, stable and happy future together,” Ms Sharabi added.