Study: Relationships Formed Offline Lead to Higher Satisfaction

A large international study has found that couples who meet through face-to-face interactions report higher relationship satisfaction than those who meet via dating apps, adding to ongoing debates about the long-term impact of digital dating on intimacy and commitment.

The research, published in the journal Telematics and Informatics, was conducted by academics from the Australian National University and the University of Wroclaw. It analysed survey responses from more than 6,600 participants across 50 countries, making it one of the most wide-ranging comparative studies on how meeting context influences romantic relationships.

According to the findings, the proportion of couples who met online has steadily increased over time, rising from 16% before 2010 to 21% in the years after. However, adoption varied widely by country, with online meetings accounting for roughly a third of relationships in Poland compared to just 7% in Ghana. Despite this growth, couples who met offline consistently scored higher on the Triangular Love Scale, which measures intimacy, passion and commitment.

The most pronounced gap appeared in commitment. Researchers found that couples who met through apps were less likely to report strong long-term dedication, even when controlling for factors such as age, income and relationship length. The difference was especially notable among men and participants over the age of 33, suggesting that meeting context may shape expectations and emotional investment over time.

The study points to structural differences between online and offline dating as a key explanation. Offline relationships are more likely to emerge from shared social networks – such as workplaces, educational settings or mutual friends—which can create trust and social accountability early on. In contrast, app-based matches often lack overlapping communities, making it harder to establish common ground and social support.

Researchers also highlighted how app design may affect outcomes. Dating platforms prioritise efficiency and choice, encouraging users to make rapid decisions based on limited information. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and “choice overload,” where users remain uncertain about their selections and invest less time in developing deeper connections.