Takeaways
(& Limitations)
1.
Dating apps (such as Tinder) should not be seen as merely a fun, hookup app without any strings attached, but as a new way for emerging adults to initiate committed romantic relationships.
Research shows that dating apps and websites are used for many motivations, only one of which is for casual relationships. As dating apps are becoming a cultural norm, they are becoming more widely accepted and used for a variety of reasons, from one-night stands to meaningful, long-term relationships.
2.
Most people that use online dating do so in order to interact with a larger pool of potential partners.
Most people that use online dating believe that using internet dating websites/apps help to open up the playing field. 64% of people in a research sample agree that online dating helps people find a better match because they have access to a larger pool of potential dates.
3.
70-80% of internet users hold positive/neutral beliefs about online dating.
Contrary to some societal beliefs, research estimates that only 20-30% of internet users have negative beliefs about online dating. This percentage drops from 30% to 20% when the criteria of the study is limited to those who are single and actively dating.
LIMITATIONS
Many of these studies were conducted in the early 2000s. As online dating websites and apps continue to become a predominant part of society, more research is needed to accurately assess the current environment.
I would predict that attitudes would be increasingly positive, with younger people outweighing the older users in terms of who uses online dating.