Meeting online has become the most popular way U.S. couples connect, Stanford sociologist finds

According to recent research by Stanford sociologist Michael Rosenfeld, matchmaking has shifted predominantly to online algorithms.

Rosenfeld's findings indicate that algorithms are now the primary matchmakers for individuals seeking romantic relationships, overshadowing traditional connections with friends and family.

Online dating has emerged as the most prevalent avenue for Americans to seek romantic partners. (Image credit: altmodern / Getty Images)

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rosenfeld revealed that heterosexual couples are increasingly likely to connect with their partners online rather than through personal acquaintances. He noted a significant decline in traditional courtship methods, such as meeting through family, church, or neighborhood gatherings since 1940.

As a leading author and a sociology professor at the School of Humanities and Sciences, Rosenfeld utilized a nationwide survey of American adults from 2017, discovering that around 39 percent of heterosexual couples met online, a considerable rise from 22 percent in 2009. The research was co-authored by Sonia Hausen, a sociology graduate student.

With two decades of experience studying dating, mating, and the societal effects of the internet, Rosenfeld shared insights on his findings through an interview with Stanford News Service.

What’s the key takeaway from your research on online dating?

The primary takeaway is that forming significant relationships online has supplanted the role of mutual friends. People increasingly trust dating technology, and any stigma surrounding online introductions seems to have faded.

My previous research in 2009 showed that most individuals still relied on friends as intermediaries when seeking partners. At that time, even those using online platforms typically sought help from friends to establish their profiles and screen potential romantic matches.

What surprised you about your findings?

I was taken aback by how significantly online dating has diminished the traditional role of friends in helping people meet partners. We had previously thought friends would always have some role in dating, but online methods are seemingly taking over, which marks a pivotal change in how individuals engage with technology.

What has facilitated this change in how people meet romantic partners?

There are two pivotal technological advancements that have propelled online dating forward. The first was the emergence of the graphical World Wide Web around 1995. Prior to that, online dating was relegated to text-based bulletin boards, but the graphical web emphasized visuals and searchability, enhancing the dating experience. The second key innovation was the explosive proliferation of smartphones in the 2010s. Smartphones have transformed internet dating from a desktop activity to a constant, mobile experience.

Furthermore, online dating platforms offer access to an extensive pool of potential partners, far surpassing the limited social networks of family and friends. Even if not every match is ideal, a broader selection increases the likelihood of finding a compatible partner.

Does your research suggest that social interaction is declining among people?

Not at all. Increased time spent online doesn't equate to diminished social interaction.

For individuals seeking romantic partners, I believe online dating is a positive development. The innate human desire for companionship is being supported by technology, which plays a valuable role in that quest.

The decrease in meeting partners through family does not imply that families are less relevant; rather, it reflects a trend of forming romantic relationships later in life.

Additionally, our study shows that the success of a relationship isn't determined by whether partners met online or offline. Ultimately, how you initially connect is less significant; relationships take on a life of their own following that initial encounter.

What does your research suggest about the online dating landscape?

I view online dating as a relatively positive contribution to society. It fosters connections between people who might not have crossed paths otherwise.

Those who previously struggled to find partners stand to gain the most from the larger selection offered by dating apps.

Online dating can particularly benefit groups that may not have had adequate support from family, friends, or workplaces; for instance, the LGBTQ+ community has significantly higher rates of online encounters than heterosexual couples.

After studying dating for over two decades, what motivated your focus on online dating?

The evolution of dating is just one facet of daily life being transformed by technology, and I have long been intrigued by how new tech reshapes our relationship-building processes.

I wanted to delve into how couples meet and how these methods have evolved over the years. Yet, there hadn’t been extensive research on this topic, prompting me to conduct my