Online Dating & Marital Satisfaction: eHarmony

Charlee Kapiioho-Sagum

The Study• June 2013, research data released, “Marital

Satisfaction and Breakups Differ Across Online and Offline Meeting Venues”, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

• Funded by eHarmony• Looked at 19,131 people who married between

2005-2012• 35% met spouses online

– Nearly half met through online dating sites• People who met online were more likely to be

older (30-39 is the largest age group represented), employed, and had a higher income.

Findings• 8% of marriages initiated online

resulted in breakups• 6% of couples who met online reported

lower rates of separation and divorce• “Meeting a spouse on-line is, on

average, associated with slightly higher marital satisfaction and lower rates of marital break-up than meeting a spouse through traditional (off-line) venues.”

eHarmony

• eHarmony ranks #1– In creating more online marriages than

any other online site (25.04%)– In measures of marital satisfaction– Lowest rates of divorce and separation

than couples who met through all other online and offline meeting places

eHarmony Difference• Only company founded by a

clinical psychologist• Focus is on marriage, unlike

any other company• Relationship questionnaire

focused on discovering valuable qualities

• Focuses on bringing together customers who are highly focused on long-term commitment and marriage (no third-party advertising)

Explanation

• Researchers suggest that people may be more honest when interacting online

• Also, the pool of prospective partners is likely larger online, along with advance screening for dating services

• Although deception occurs online, studies suggest that people are relatively honest in online dating encounters– The lies tend to be minor representations of weight or height

• And, those on online dating sites may be more focused on finding a long-term mate

• “It is possible that individuals who met their spouse online may be different in personality, motivation to form a long-term marital relationship, or some other factor.”

• This study explores the shift in terms of how Americans are meeting their spouses

Explanation

Many Success Stories

Resources• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/

06/04/online-dating-leads-to-hi_n_3384721.html

• http://www.eharmony.com/press-release/57/

• http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2013/06/03/meeting-online-leads-happier-more-enduring-marriages