Finding partners for potential romantic, intimate relationships can be difficult. Recent data (Statista, 2020) shows that 61% of 18–29 year olds, and 44% of 30–59 year olds, have used online dating sites. But is there any evidence that the algorithms used by online dating sites are useful in finding mates?
Dating sites are mostly based on the principle that similarity drives attraction. Eli Finkel states that it is reasonable to think that if we are similar to someone, we are more likely to like them as well. However, he argues that similarity isn’t a strong predictor of relationship happiness. Research shows we tend to match mates on certain demographic characteristics, but similarity and dissimilarity in other areas equally relate to happiness.
Finkel states that we believe we know what we want in a romantic partner, but research shows we aren’t really accurate in these beliefs. Some matching algorithms claim to measure how you answer the question in addition to the answer itself, which can identify hidden personality traits. But just because algorithms use the scientific method, that doesn’t mean they are actually scientific themselves. Harry Reis states that the research can’t take into consideration all of the things that could happen in a relationship, and comparing potential relationships to successful ones isn’t always reliable.
No dating algorithms have been tested scientifically, but even though dating sites might not result in a successful relationship, the researchers state that these can be a great way to meet new people.
(Statista (2020). Share of Internet users in the United States who have used online dating sites or apps as of April 2017, by age group. https://www.statista.com/statistics/706499/us-adults-online-dating-site-app-by-age/)