Is Marrying Someone You Met Online Considered Normal?

Online Dating and Marriage: A Growing Trend

Yes, it is considered normal to marry someone you meet through an online dating website. In recent years, online dating has become a common way for people to meet potential partners. Many individuals have successfully found love and built lasting relationships through these platforms, with studies supporting the idea that couples who meet online often have strong relationships and higher marriage satisfaction.

The popularity of online dating, especially during the pandemic, has led to a significant number of marriages between individuals who met through these channels. It is neither rare nor unusual for people to marry someone they met on an online dating site, given the numerous opportunities to find a compatible match.

Challenges and Opportunities in Online Dating

This trend is driven by the fact that people can view profiles of singles not only from their local area but also from other countries. However, the key to establishing a lasting relationship through online dating is the willingness of both parties to transition from the online realm to meeting and nurturing the relationship offline.

Studies have shown that while online dating can lead to successful marriages, these relationships can also end faster and more often compared to those of couples who meet through traditional means. The study “Relative Strangers: The Importance of Social Capital for Marriage” analyzed how likely couples were to get divorced after three or seven years based on how they met. Results indicated that 12% of couples who met online were likely to be divorced within three years, increasing to 17% by the seven-year mark. In contrast, couples who met through friends or family had a much lower divorce rate: only 2% divorced after three years and 10% after seven years.

Personal Experiences in Online Dating

My own experiences with online dating reflect these statistics. I met my ex of 15 years on a dating site. Although it was a mistake, our marriage did last for 15 years from a legal perspective. This journey taught me valuable lessons about relationships and the complexities of online interactions.

Currently, I have met someone through an online dating platform who might become my future partner. While I am not certain if we will get married, our strong connection gives me hope that if we navigate our way, it can lead to a lasting relationship.

Regardless of the challenges, the growing acceptance of online dating highlights its potential in helping individuals find meaningful connections and build fulfilling relationships. As society continues to adapt to new technologies and communication methods, online dating is likely to play an increasingly significant role in people's lives.