Modern dating woes: Study finds too many choices while dating online leaves you dissatisfied - Hindustan Times
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Modern dating woes: Study finds too many choices while dating online leaves you dissatisfied

Press Trust of India | By, Washington
Jun 15, 2017 03:20 PM IST

Researchers said that having more choices allows people to think about the merits of the discarded ones which, in turn, leads to lower satisfaction.

Too many choices of potential romantic partners on online dating sites can leave you dissatisfied with the person you pick, a new study has found.

During the study, those who selected from a large pool and had the ability to reverse their choice were the least satisfied with their selected partner after one week.(Shutterstock)
During the study, those who selected from a large pool and had the ability to reverse their choice were the least satisfied with their selected partner after one week.(Shutterstock)

Researchers conducted an experiment with 152 students to find out how the number of choices online daters are given affect romantic outcomes.

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They found that a week after making their selection, online daters who chose from a large set of 24 potential partners were less satisfied with their choice than those who selected from a small set of six people, and were more likely to change their selection.

This research suggests that even though you’re meeting people who are potentially similar, there can be downside to having that much access. (Shutterstock)
This research suggests that even though you’re meeting people who are potentially similar, there can be downside to having that much access. (Shutterstock)

Those who selected from a large pool and had the ability to reverse their choice were the least satisfied with their selected partner after one week.

“Online dating is very popular but the sheer popularity of it is creating some issues,” said Catalina Toma, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US. “Sifting through choices is potentially problematic in that it can create the perception that the grass is always greener on the other side,” said Toma.

“There can be more regret when they know there are other options,” said Jonathan D’Angelo, doctoral candidate at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Researchers said that having more choices allows people to think about the merits of the discarded choices which, in turn, leads to lower satisfaction. This causes people to head back online.

“When the cost of the investment of meeting someone is really low and there are tonnes of options you’ll explore those options,” Toma said.

However, researchers still say the benefits of online dating outweigh the drawbacks. “You can meet people who are similar to you like you never could before,” D’Angelo said.

“This research suggests that even though you’re meeting people who are potentially similar, there can be downside to having that much access,” he said.

Studies continue to show that more and more long-term relationships start online, and the stigma that once existed against online dating has diminished.

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