I have previously posted about online dating back around V-Day, but not in detail. Now's my chance. What studies and research has been done on dating? Take a look at the analysis and trends…
Hard Stats
According to a recent Pew Internet report, about 16 million Americans have gone to an online dating site. And about 30 million know someone who has been in a long term relationship or married someone they met online. In fact, most single Americans have used the Internet as part of their search process. They feel that they have a better chance at finding a match because there are a lot more people from which to choose.
Interestingly, of those who were surveyed, only 3% began their relationships online. Most people meet their partners at work, school, or through friends. Of those who've dated online? 43% of them have followed through with a date, and 17% say that marriage or a long-term relationship has come from it.
Online daters tend to be more liberal than most other Americans. And, they seek out people offline as well as online.
Closeness
In a UK study it was found that couples had more intimate relationships when they instant messaged each other as opposed to only emailing. Also, those who exchanged gifts before meeting (?) or spoke on the phone had more committed relationships. 94% of those who met someone for the first time went out a second time and the relationship lasted on average for seven months.
Stigma & Attitudes
Those using dating sites feel it's a great way to meet people but the general public is split in their opinions. One might assume that most would think those using dating sites are desperate. In reality, only 29% feel that way, according to Pew, and most of those people are not as experienced online. One of the largest attitudes toward online dating has to do with safety. 66% of Internet users feel online dating is dangerous, but most of those who have used the services are not as worried.
One of the most interesting findings is that 52% of users say that people lie about their marital status.
To view the full report, download the pdf.
What about blogging about dates? MSN.com featured this blog which follows the life of an online dater.
