- The scientists surveyed 923 people who had met their partner online or offline.
- Those who met through dating apps had lower marital satisfaction and stability
While dating apps were once considered 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 unhappier in their marriages than people who meet in the real world.
“The results support an effect of online dating, particularly by showing that people who meet through online dating 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 to go (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 first incarnation of a dating app dates back to 1995, when Match.com was first launched.
Since then, thousands of dating apps have taken over the online space and an estimated 21.9 percent of people in the United States currently use them.
In their new study, the team set out to understand whether or not meeting online affects marital satisfaction.
The researchers recruited 923 married participants, who were surveyed about their marital satisfaction and stability.
About half (49.3 percent) of the participants had met their partner online, through dating apps such as Grindr, Tinder or Bumble.
The other 50.7 percent had met offline, including at work, university or in a bar or club.
To assess their marital satisfaction, participants were asked to answer questions including “how well does your spouse meet your needs?” and “Overall, how satisfied are you with your marriage?”
Meanwhile, questions to assess the stability of your marriage include: “Have you or your spouse ever seriously entertained the idea of divorce?”
The results revealed that couples who met online tended to be younger, had more dating experience, and were more likely to be in a same-sex or interracial marriage than those who had met offline.
Participants who had met online also reported lower marital satisfaction and stability.
While the reason for the findings is still unclear, researchers suggest it may be due to the stigma associated with online meetings.
Liesel Sharabi, lead author of the study, said: “Our research reveals that it is the stigma surrounding their relationship that puts online couples under stress: they tend to face higher levels of social marginalization, either because they are more likely of being an interracial or same-sex couple, or because they feel judged for meeting their spouse online.
Fortunately, researchers say that being aware of this stigma can help improve your chances of having a happy marriage.
“Being aware of these obstacles can allow online couples to have a longer, more stable and happier future together,” Ms Sharabi added.
