A new study has found that people who meet their romantic partners online are less happy in love compared to those who meet in person.

The research, from an international team of researchers led by Dr Marta Kowal from the University of Wrocław, used data gathered from over 6,000 participants across 50 countries. On average, 16 per cent of participants met their partners online, rising to 21 per cent among those who initiated their romantic relationships after 2010.

“Participants who met their partners online reported lower relationship satisfaction and intensity of experienced love, including intimacy, passion and commitment, compared to those who met offline,” says study co-author and Australian National University PhD student Adam Bode.

According to the researchers, there are several reasons behind these findings. Notably, couples who meet offline tend to be more homogamous – or have similar characteristics — than those who meet online, and previous research has found that homogamous couples are often more successful.

The internet provides access to a seemingly limitless pool of potential partners, but while this abundance could help individuals find an ideal match, in practice, it often leads to choice overload

“Similar social and educational backgrounds can positively influence relationship quality by fostering greater social support and acceptance, shared life experiences, and alignment in values and worldviews,” Bode says. “The internet provides access to a seemingly limitless pool of potential partners, but while this abundance could help individuals find an ideal match, in practice, it often leads to choice overload.”

Plus, Bode notes, casual relationships are more common among individuals who meet online. “While early users [of dating apps] sought lifelong partners, modern users increasingly pursue casual relationships. This shift toward short-term, less committed relationships may, in turn, contribute to lower relationship quality,” he says. In addition, Bode explains, it’s harder to spot ‘red flags’ when meeting someone online as opposed to in real life.

“Given that online dating continues to grow worldwide, our findings underscore the need to enhance support for improving relationship quality among all couples, particularly those who met their partners online.”