In today’s digital age, more and more people are finding love through dating apps. What once seemed like an unconventional way to meet people is now a common path to meaningful relationships. A recent study published in Social Sciences shows that romantic relationships that start through dating apps are not significantly different in quality from those that start in person. These results challenge the persistent public belief that relationships initiated through programs are inherently less authentic and meaningful.
Do dating apps affect relationship quality?
Dating apps have grown in popularity over the past ten years and are one of the most common ways people connect with potential partners. However, despite this growth, relationships that begin online are often met with skepticism. Critics suggest that these relationships place too much emphasis on physical attraction rather than emotional connection, or may be affected by issues such as dishonesty in online profiles.
“After completing my PhD, I became deeply intrigued by how technology affects relationships, families, and personal development,” shared Mickey Langlais, study author and associate professor of human sciences and design at Baylor University.
“One aspect that particularly piqued my interest was the growing reliance on dating apps to create romantic connections. When I began my research, dating apps had a negative reputation, yet many of my students and friends shared stories of meeting their partners through these platforms. This paradox prompted me to research and compare the satisfaction levels of couples who met in person and those who connected through dating apps.’
In the study, the researchers found that there were no significant differences in the quality of romantic relationships based on whether they started online or in person. Participants who met their partners through dating apps reported similar levels of satisfaction, commitment, and passion as those who met face-to-face, for both current and past relationships.
Research debunks myths about online relationships
“The results of this study demonstrate that relationship satisfaction was not affected by the method of meeting,” Langlais explained to PsyPost. “Those who met their current or former partner in person experienced levels of satisfaction comparable to those who met through a dating app.”
The researchers hypothesized that the similarity in relationship quality between couples who met online and those who met in person may be due to the reduced stigma surrounding online dating and the growing acceptance of dating apps as a legitimate way to find partners. “When we reviewed this article, it became clear that the negative stigma surrounding dating apps has decreased, and the results of this study shed light on why people are less likely to view dating apps as taboo or embarrassing,” Langlais explained.
This research challenges the idea that online relationships are less authentic and fulfilling than face-to-face relationships. However, there are some limitations to the findings. “The study sample consisted of students from a single university, so we cannot generalize these results to other populations,” noted Langlais. “Further research is needed to replicate these findings with different demographic groups.” Langlais and his team continue to investigate the impact of dating apps on relationships.
