Study finds online relationships may have lower satisfaction

A study published in the journal Telematics and Informatics in 2025 suggests that relationships starting on dating apps might have lower levels of romantic satisfaction compared to those formed in everyday life. Researchers analyzed data from 6,646 people in relationships across 50 countries and found that couples who met online reported lower levels of satisfaction, intimacy, and passion, with the biggest difference seen in their sense of commitment.

Meeting through social circles may help relationships

Researchers suggest that the way people meet their partners may influence relationship outcomes. In everyday life, relationships often begin within established social circles, such as through friends, a professional environment, or shared experiences. In contrast, dating apps allow people to meet individuals from different social circles, which may lead to differences in values, beliefs, or lifestyles that require more compromises.

Dating app features may affect relationship priorities

Another explanation involves the functionality of dating apps. The ability to quickly browse many profiles and imagine multiple potential relationships may lead individuals to prioritize visible traits, such as physical appearance, over other factors that contribute to long-term compatibility. The perception of having many options can persist even after entering a relationship, potentially making it harder to commit and increasing doubts about whether a more compatible partner exists elsewhere.

Study highlights a statistical link, not a cause

The study does not claim that online relationships are inherently less fulfilling, but rather highlights a statistical association. The researchers note that the way a relationship begins does not solely determine its quality. Once the initial dating phase is passed, all couples face similar questions about commitment, shared goals, and the willingness to invest in the relationship rather than continue searching for other possibilities.