While some find it uncomfortable meeting potential partners online, more Americans seem to believe in finding love online. A new survey has revealed that 1 in 10 Americans or about 11 percent of the total population of the country have used dating services online or tried mobile apps that also play cupid for their lonely hearts. In a similar study conducted in 2005, only three percent of those surveyed admitted that they have used dating sites.
The study was done by the Pew Research Center through its Internet & American Life Project. The team conducted a survey over the phone and asked 2,252 respondents aged 18 and over about their attitudes and tendencies toward online dating.
The proponents disclosed that 38 percent of Americans who are single and looking for a special someone have used dating websites at some point of their lives. Of these people who actively look for partners online, 66 percent of them have actually dated someone they met through a dating site or mobile app. In 2005, only 43 percent of people have gone on to date those they met on dating sites.
The survey also revealed that among the respondents who said they dated online, 23 percent ended up with a long-term relationship or ended up getting married to their online dates.
The data collected also indicated that the American public's attitudes towards online dating is more positive. When asked if they agree with the statement "online dating is a good way to meet people," 59 percent agreed to it. Roughly 53 percent agreed that "online dating allows people to find a better match for themselves." Both parameters increased by 15 percent and six percent, respectively.
Respondents were also asked if "people who use online dating sites are desperate." There were 21 percent who agreed to this statement, a decline from 29 percent in 2005.
There are also downsides to online dating revealed by the survey. More than half of people who tried online dating believe that "someone else seriously misrepresented themselves in their profile." About 28 percent of those asked, felt that they were harassed or felt uncomfortable when contacted by people they met online.
Some of the popular sites mentioned by respondents are Match.com, eHarmony, OK Cupid, and Plenty of Fish.
