Study: One-Third of Recent Marriages Began Online
One-third of couples who are married began with an online connection, a new study revealed. Of those surveyed, the majority reported higher marital satisfaction in comparison to those that met off-line.
Researchers at the University of Chicago surveyed over 19,000 individuals that tied the knot between 2005 and 2012. The findings concluded that 35 percent of the married couples surveyed met through dating sites such as eHarmony.com and Match.com. About 20 percent of those online connections were established through Facebook or Twitter, and nearly 15 percent met through instant messaging, email or a chat room.
According to Caitlin Moldvay, a dating industry senior analyst for market research firm IBISWorld, these findings aren't unprecedented.
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"Societally, we are going to increasingly meet more of our romantic partners online as we establish more of an online presence in terms of social media."
Moldvay admits the figures were slightly higher than expected but anticipates online dating to pick up an even greater momentum over the next five years. Although more people are resorting less to their off-line social circles for a partner, mobile dating is the up-and-coming technology platform to find a connection.
"Between 2009 and 2012, there was a 70 percent increase in mobile dating and it's going to be a continuous trend since almost everyone has a smartphone," said Moldvay.
The report also found that those surveyed were less likely to end in divorce compared to couples that met off-line. However, individuals outside the survey sample can attest to a different reality.
"My ex-wife and I met online. She lived in Germany and I was here in Virginia," said Mauricio Fuentes, a Virginia state employee. "Ultimately, there wasn't any common ground between us and to think you can find your match online is bogus. Instead, I think seeking a spouse through prayer is the way to go."
According to Moldvay, although the study was conducted by the University of Chicago, eHarmony.com provided the funding.
"I'm all for anyone that wants to date online but I personally can't," said Megan Brooks, an American University college student. "Of course more people met through eHarmony.com, those results have got to be completely skewed."
Researchers also found that 21 percent of spouses surveyed met at work, 19 percent met through mutual friends , and 10 percent met at school.
"Prayer and being old-school just might do the trick, that's how it's always worked!" exclaimed Fuentes.
