What Online Dating Tells Us About The Future Of A Relationship

As more and more individuals turn to online dating and social media to find the perfect mate, researchers look to determine what an effective means of finding a future spouse actually means. The intriguing results of a new study are published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, examine what many are looking for in non-marital relationships and more serious affairs.

"The time-tested qualities of trust and intimacy still remain important factors on determining whether a couple stays together, regardless of whether they meet offline or online," said Editor-in-Chief Brenda K. Wiederhold, PhD, MBA, BCB, BCN, Virtual Reality Medical Institute, Brussels, Belgium and Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, Calif., in a news release.

In the journal article, "Is Online Better Than Offline For Meeting Partners? Depends: Are You Looking to Marry Or to Date?" Aditi Paul, Michigan State University, East Lansing, discusses data that shows higher break-up rates for couples who met online compared to offline and whether they were in marital or non-marital romantic relationships.

Many additional factors besides the meeting venue can also help to predict whether a couple will stay together or breakup, according to the findings. The study authors also note that these may differ for marital versus non-marital relationships and also ultimately determine the quality and duration of a relationship or future relationship.