Love may be just a swipe away, but it might not feel as deep. A new cross-cultural study spanning 50 countries finds that couples who meet online report lower relationship satisfaction and less intense feelings of love than those who meet in person. Led by researchers at the University of Wroclaw and The Australian National University, the work appears in Telematics and Informatics and draws on survey data from 6,646 people in relationships worldwide.
Online Meets Less Passionate Love
The research team examined how couples first met and compared measures of relationship satisfaction, intimacy, passion, and commitment. On average, 16 percent of participants met their partners online, with the figure rising to 21 percent among those who started dating after 2010. In nearly every category, offline couples reported higher scores.
“Participants who met their partners online reported lower relationship satisfaction and intensity of experienced love, including intimacy, passion and commitment, compared to those who met offline,” said study co-author Adam Bode of ANU.
Key Findings
- Offline couples scored higher in relationship satisfaction, intimacy, passion, and commitment.
- Lower socioeconomic status and shorter relationships were more common among those who met online.
- No significant differences were found based on age, gender, sexual orientation, or urban vs. rural residence.
- Effect sizes for satisfaction and love were small to moderate but consistent across most countries.
Possible Reasons Behind the Gap
Researchers suggest that couples who meet in person are more likely to share similar backgrounds, known as homogamy, which can strengthen long-term bonds. Meeting offline often involves overlapping social networks, increasing the chances of shared values and life experiences. In contrast, online platforms expose users to a vast pool of potential partners, which can lead to choice overload and reduce commitment confidence.
Another factor is the rise of what researchers call “swipe culture” in modern dating apps, where physical attractiveness can take priority over deeper compatibility. The team also noted that early users of online dating sites often sought lifelong partners, while many current users are more open to casual or short-term relationships.
Not Just for the Young or Rural
Contrary to earlier studies, the new research found no evidence that younger or rural individuals are more likely to meet partners online. Navigating digital spaces appears equally accessible across demographics.
Looking Ahead
With online dating continuing to grow worldwide, the researchers say the challenge is to help couples build strong, fulfilling relationships regardless of where they meet. That may include refining matching algorithms, encouraging more meaningful online interactions, and raising awareness about the potential pitfalls of choice overload.
The study was a collaboration between the University of Wroclaw, ANU, and the University of Stirling.
Journal: Telematics and Informatics
DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2025.102309
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