A recent international study reveals that people who met their romantic partners through traditional, offline means tend to report slightly higher satisfaction in their relationships compared to those who met online.
The study, which included over 6,600 participants from 50 countries, was designed to reflect various age groups, gender, and living environments, from both urban and rural areas.
It found that couples who met online, through platforms like dating apps, online games, or thematic groups, rated their relationship satisfaction, intimacy, passion, and commitment lower on average than those who met in person.
Participants were asked to evaluate their relationships in terms of three key factors: intimacy, passion, and commitment, all of which are essential elements of romantic love in psychology.
While the differences were modest, the most significant gap was found in commitment: individuals who met online were less likely to perceive their relationship as "for life." This trend was consistent across most of the 50 countries included in the study.
"The results surprised us a bit, because, for example, American research from 13 years ago suggested the opposite: that couples who met online are even more satisfied with their relationships,” one of the study’s authors Dr. Marta Kowal from the University of Wrocław told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
Ludwika Tomala (PAP)
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