This particular report focuses on the patterns, experiences and attitudes related to online dating in America. These findings are based on a survey conducted Oct. The margin of sampling error for the full sample is plus or minus 2. Recruiting ATP panelists by phone or mail ensures that nearly all U. This gives us confidence that any sample can represent the whole U. To further ensure that each ATP survey reflects a balanced cross-section of the nation, the data are weighted to match the U.
You can also find the questions asked, and the answers the public provided in this topline. From personal ads that began appearing in publications around the s to videocassette dating services that sprang up decades ago, the platforms people use to seek out romantic partners have evolved throughout history. This evolution has continued with the rise of online dating sites and mobile apps.
Today, three-in-ten U. Previous Pew Research Center studies about online dating indicate that the share of Americans who have used these platforms β as well as the share who have found a spouse or partner through them β has risen over time. The current survey finds that online dating is especially popular among certain groups β particularly younger adults and those who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual LGB. Americans who have used online dating offer a mixed look at their time on these platforms.
On a broad level, online dating users are more likely to describe their overall experience using these platforms in positive rather than negative terms. Additionally, majorities of online daters say it was at least somewhat easy for them to find others that they found physically attractive, shared common interests with, or who seemed like someone they would want to meet in person. But users also share some of the downsides to online dating.
Roughly seven-in-ten online daters believe it is very common for those who use these platforms to lie to try to appear more desirable. Other incidents highlight how dating sites or apps can become a venue for bothersome or harassing behavior β especially for women under the age of Online dating has not only disrupted more traditional ways of meeting romantic partners, its rise also comes at a time when norms and behaviors around marriage and cohabitation also are changing as more people delay marriage or choose to remain single.
