online dating and marital satisfaction
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Online Dating & Marital Satisfaction: eHarmony
Charlee Kapiioho-Sagum
The Study• June 2013, research data released, “Marital
Satisfaction and Breakups Differ Across Online and Offline Meeting Venues”, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
• Funded by eHarmony• Looked at 19,131 people who married between
2005-2012• 35% met spouses online
– Nearly half met through online dating sites• People who met online were more likely to be
older (30-39 is the largest age group represented), employed, and had a higher income.
Findings• 8% of marriages initiated online
resulted in breakups• 6% of couples who met online reported
lower rates of separation and divorce• “Meeting a spouse on-line is, on
average, associated with slightly higher marital satisfaction and lower rates of marital break-up than meeting a spouse through traditional (off-line) venues.”
eHarmony
• eHarmony ranks #1– In creating more online marriages than
any other online site (25.04%)– In measures of marital satisfaction– Lowest rates of divorce and separation
than couples who met through all other online and offline meeting places
eHarmony Difference• Only company founded by a
clinical psychologist• Focus is on marriage, unlike
any other company• Relationship questionnaire
focused on discovering valuable qualities
• Focuses on bringing together customers who are highly focused on long-term commitment and marriage (no third-party advertising)
Explanation
• Researchers suggest that people may be more honest when interacting online
• Also, the pool of prospective partners is likely larger online, along with advance screening for dating services
• Although deception occurs online, studies suggest that people are relatively honest in online dating encounters– The lies tend to be minor representations of weight or height
• And, those on online dating sites may be more focused on finding a long-term mate
• “It is possible that individuals who met their spouse online may be different in personality, motivation to form a long-term marital relationship, or some other factor.”
• This study explores the shift in terms of how Americans are meeting their spouses
Explanation
Many Success Stories
Resources• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/
06/04/online-dating-leads-to-hi_n_3384721.html
• http://www.eharmony.com/press-release/57/
• http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2013/06/03/meeting-online-leads-happier-more-enduring-marriages