A study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University in the United States examined how meeting a future spouse online influences relationship quality and stability. The findings, published in Computers in Human Behavior, reveal nuanced patterns about online mating and long-term partnerships.
Involving 923 married adults, the study found that roughly half of the participants met their spouses via online avenues, including private dating apps. The researchers aimed to understand whether the method of meeting a partner, online or offline, affects how satisfied couples are with their relationships and how stable those relationships remain over time.
To measure this, participants evaluated their unions across several dimensions. These included social marginalization, or how society views the method used to initiate a relationship; the level of approval and support from friends and family; geographic distance at the time the couple first met; and the degree of trust, defined as how openly partners shared information. The survey also asked about overall marital satisfaction and any considerations or intentions regarding divorce.
The results showed that marriages formed online were more likely to involve partners who identify as gay or who are in interracial unions. Yet, compared with relationships formed through traditional, offline means, those built online reported lower levels of marital satisfaction and greater instability. The researchers suggest that these differences may be partly explained by social marginalization and a lack of broad social endorsement for online meeting methods, which can influence relationship dynamics and perceived support networks.
These findings contribute to a broader conversation about how modern dating modalities intersect with long-term relationship outcomes. They underscore the importance of context, community support, and open communication in all relationships, regardless of how couples first connected. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that online dating has specific patterns and consequences for couples, inviting further exploration into how individuals navigate commitment, trust, and shared life goals in a digital age.
What character qualities does an “ideal” partner have? This question remains relevant as dating practices continue to evolve, and researchers call for continued examination of how meeting styles influence relationship trajectories over time.