Online Dating: The Preferred Choice for US Couples

Increasing Trend of Online Dating

Modern daters are taking control of their love lives. Dissatisfied with potential partners they meet at work, school, or within their social circles, an increasing number of heterosexual daters are choosing to find their partners online. According to data analyzed by Katharina Buchholz from Statista, there has been a significant rise in the number of people meeting their partners online.

From 2% to 39%

Research conducted by Stanford University reveals that the percentage of heterosexual couples who met online has seen a dramatic increase from 2% in 1995 to 39% in 2017.

The Role of Dating Apps and Social Media

Dating apps such as Tinder and eHarmony, as well as social networking sites like Facebook, have played a significant role in this trend. These platforms have facilitated connections between old friends and acquaintances, introductions to new people, and in most cases, have helped individuals meet completely new partners on their own. According to the study, 8% of couples reconnected with old friends or acquaintances, 11% were introduced to someone new, and a whopping 81% met someone completely new on their own.

The Appeal of Online Dating

The researchers concluded that the primary appeal of online dating is the larger pool of potential partners compared to traditional methods of meeting people. This is especially beneficial for those seeking something unusual or hard to find.

Meeting Partners in Bars and Restaurants

Interestingly, the study also noted a rise in the number of people meeting their partners in bars and restaurants between 1995 and 2017.

Exclusion of Homosexuals from the Study

The researchers from Stanford chose to exclude homosexuals from their study as they represent a minority sexual orientation, making online dating a more obvious choice for them compared to heterosexuals. According to the research, homosexuals are usually in a "thick dating market" and are typically able to identify several potential mates in their offline lives.

Bottom Line

The landscape of dating has significantly changed over the years, with online dating becoming a preferred choice for many. This shift in trend reflects the evolving societal norms and the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of life. What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you think online dating will continue to dominate in the future? Share your views and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.