The Social demography of internet dating in the United States*
Objective: The objective of this article is to identify the sociodemographic correlates of Internet dating net of selective processes that determine who is " at risk." We also examine the role of computer literacy, social networks, and attitudes toward Internet dating among single Internet users. Methods: We use multivariate logistic regression to analyze 3,215 respondents from the first nationally representative U.S. survey of Internet dating. Results: Sociodemographic factors have strong effects on Internet access and single status but weak effects on use of Internet dating services once the sample is conditioned on these factors. For this " at-risk" subpopulation, computer literacy and social networks strongly influence the likelihood of Internet dating. Conclusions: Internet dating is a common mate selection strategy among the highly selective subpopulation of single Internet users and may continue to grow through social networks. Material and virtual elements of the digital divide have direct and indirect effects on Internet dating. © 2010 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.
Duke Scholars
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Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- General Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences