Research Finds Online Dating Sparks More Diverse Partnerships

New research by University of New Mexico sociologist Reuben Thomas highlights how online dating is reshaping relationship diversity. Thomas’s study, initially published in 2020, found that online daters are more likely to form relationships across racial, religious, and educational lines than couples who meet through traditional methods.

In offline social circles – often limited by similar backgrounds – many people meet partners through friends, family, or local organizations, making online platforms a significant departure from the norm. According to Thomas, online dating opens a “much more diverse starting place” for users willing to connect across larger geographic areas, increasing the likelihood of meeting someone different in background.

However, the study noted that age alignment is more common in online dating, given that age filters are standard in most dating platforms. Thomas’s findings also reveal persistent racial bias in online dating, with users often showing preferences for matches within their own racial groups. Despite this, the sheer volume and variety of potential partners online continue to lead to higher rates of interracial relationships than offline dating.

Additional insights from the study include that middle-aged individuals are more likely to meet a partner online compared to younger adults, and men generally initiate more of the messaging. While relationship stability remains similar for both online and offline couples, online daters tend to progress faster toward marriage, likely due to clearer relationship intentions upon joining dating apps.