Based on a recent report from the Pew Research Center, 15% of Americans say they have used an online dating website or mobile app – and of that group, 30% of online dating users are Americans who have never been married.
However, online dating isn’t just for the 20-something crowd. According to the survey data, 31% of adults ages 35+ who have never been married have used an online or mobile dating site as well. This percentage is roughly equivalent to the number of never-married 18- to 34-year-olds who are using online dating. These trends are not surprising as the percentage of never been married adults in the US is at an all time high. As of 2012, approximately 20% of adults age 25 and older are in this category.
Online Dating Users Include Individuals Who Are Divorced or Separated
While the largest percentage of online dating users have never been married, 19% of users are those who identify as currently divorced, widowed, or separated.
How Most People Meet Their Partners
A significant majority of Americans of all ages who identify themselves as in a serious relationship, partnership, or married indicate that they met their “other half” through offline means and not via online websites or apps.
Does this mean online dating isn’t really effective or worth your time? While this may seem to be the case based on a historical survey data, it’s clear that times are changing as the number of Americans who indicate that they met their current partner through an online source has doubled in the last decade. When all the numbers are crunched and analyzed for all adults regardless of age, 5% of all committed relationships started online.
But… this does not mean that 5% of committed relationships can be attributed to online dating sites. The term, “meeting online” can mean several different things—and while online dating is certainly one of them, there are other online sources to make new friends and find relationships. Some of these other online options include social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram…), online multi-players games, discussion and activity forums, and massively open online courses (like Coursera or EdX) which attract learners of all ages from all around the globe.
If You’re Considering Online Dating
Regardless of whether you choose to use online dating sites or not, the fact remains that many Americans are using online sources to learn more about current or potential partners than ever before. Nearly one third of internet users have searched online for information about someone they were dating or about to meet for a first date – including photos, verifying marital status, place of residence or employment, and children. Whether you choose to do this or not, always be sure to play it smart when meeting someone for the first time. Simple tips include telling a friend of your whereabouts, scheduling your date for a popular, well-traveled location, or having another commitment planned in the time following the date. An ounce of prevention will put your mind at ease and make your date a more enjoyable one for certain.
If you need post-divorce legal help in Fort Collins and the surround area, don’t hesitate to contact Laura Monty Law for assistance.
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