Research shows dating apps and sites are connecting more diverse couples

The so-called “traditional” way of dating has changed dramatically over time, especially over the past decade. Ruben Thomas, a sociology professor at the University of New Mexico, says that while most couples once met through family, friends, or community organizations such as churches, many American couples are now meeting online. .

Since 2010, so many people have turned to dating apps and sites that Thomas wanted to answer one question. Are people who find a romantic partner online more likely to end up with a partner who is different from them in terms of race, religion, age, etc., and education? According to his research, the answer is yes in almost every category except age.

A Thomas study published in 2020 found that couples who date online are more likely to end up in an interracial relationship and date someone from a different religious background or college degree level. .

“People almost always have a circle of friends made up of people from the same ethnicity, religion, or even social class.Thus, when they meet people through those friends, they are more likely to meet people from the same religion, ethnicity, race, or social class as themselves. You tend to meet people,” Thomas said. Said. “When you go online, you can meet anyone in the metropolitan area, or even further afield if you’re willing to travel. And all of a sudden that’s where you have more diverse departures to find love.” It will be a point.”

Research shows that people who date online are more likely to be similar in age than when they meet offline. “All online dating spaces use age as an important factor when screening potential partners. It’s kind of the first thing you see,” Thomas said. “So this is where interfaces really matter, which makes sense when you think about how people navigate online spaces.”

While data shows apps can create more diversity, Thomas said racial bias is still prevalent online and shows some ugly patterns.

“On apps, people can behave in ways that show a lot of racial bias if they want to, and we know that. ” But it’s not overwhelming and there’s enough openness in people’s behavior on the app. It still produces more interracial couples than offline,” Thomas said.

“If you start from a more diverse starting point for how to find love, even if there’s a lot of racial bias, it still starts from a place of much more potential diversity.”

Although this study does not examine which apps are most used, it does provide insight into other aspects. While more young people are dating online, middle-aged people are more likely to find a partner online. Research by other experts also found that men tend to do most of the messaging and there is no difference in relationship stability between online and offline relationships. However, people who find their spouse on an app or site tend to spend less time dating before getting married.

“Often when you meet someone offline, it slowly sinks in that they’re a friend or more than a friend,” Thomas said. “People you meet online have already decided they want a relationship before they even log on. That’s the point of creating an account, so they’re ready to take the next step.”

Although this study is several years old and some aspects may have changed in 2024, Thomas said the popularity of dating apps remains the same and online dating is here to stay. I believe that.

“No matter what, the dating scene can be uncomfortable at times, but online dating takes more effort and puts it in the hands of the person you’re dating. “I think it’s consistent with people wanting to take responsibility for their ‘identity,'” he said. “I don’t see[dating apps]going away. There’s no alternative at hand that makes more sense or is more desirable for most people.”