Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

Use of Dating Apps Surging, Says Pew Study Chances are you, or someone you know, uses online dating sites or mobile apps.

By Carolyn Sun

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Chances are, you know someone (or are someone) who either uses online dating apps or met his or her romantic partner using an online dating site or mobile app. Forty one percent of Americans know someone who uses digital dating aids and 29 percent know someone who has met a spouse or long-term partner that way, says a Pew study.

The use of online dating sites and/or mobile dating apps steadily increased among American adults from 2013 to 2015 -- from 11 percent to 15 percent -- and the most prolific growth has been on two ends of the age spectrum: from 10 percent to 27 percent in the 18-to-24-year-old set and from 6 to 12 percent among those ages 55 to 64.

The survey is based on the responses of more than 2,000 adults taken between June and July last year.

Related: With This App, Women Always End Dates With More Cash in Hand

An earlier Pew study shows that the numbers surge among higher levels of education and income. Fifty eight percent of college graduates know people who use online dating compared to 25 percent among those with just a high school degree.

Overall, Americans are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences with online dating. Eighty percent agree that online dating is a good way to meet people, 62 percent think that the intersection of dating and technology allows for a better match and 61 percent say that it offers more convenience and efficiency.

Related: 6 Dating Apps That Are Putting a Fresh Spin on Finding Love

While digital dating users can agree that the dating options offer more advantages than not, some of the drawbacks cited are personal safety issues (45 percent), the tendency to keep dating because of the plethora of options (31 percent) and the image of "desperation" associated with online dating sites (16 percent).

However, the majority of people who are currently using online dating sites aren't desperate or even looking for hookups. A mere 25 percent of the respondents currently dating online say they're in it just for fun. Most are looking for deeper human connections. Sixty percent of current users say that the reason why they're dating online is to meet people with similar interests or hobbies and over 50 percent hope to meet someone who shares similar beliefs and values.

Almost half of the respondents currently using dating apps/online services are digital romantics -- and hope to find the "one."

Related: The Biggest Dating Problem Entrepreneurs Have

Carolyn Sun is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. Find out more on Twitter and Facebook

 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Business News

Meta Fires Employee Making $400,000 Per Year Over a $25 Meal Voucher Issue

Other staff members were fired for the same reason, per a new report.

Thought Leaders

These 3 Trends Will Change What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur in 2025

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Business News

These 3 Side Hustles Make the Most Money While Working Fewer Hours, According to a New Survey

The survey also found that having a side hustle doubled as a path to becoming more employable.

Franchise

The McRib Is Back, But Only at Select McDonald's — Here's Where to Find It

This scarcity is nothing new. In 2022, McDonald's announced a "Farewell Tour" for the McRib, suggesting that it might be the last time customers could get their hands on it.

Side Hustle

I Made $14,000 in 1 Week With a Spontaneous Halloween Costume Side Hustle — Here's How

Sabba Keynejad was in art school when he started to refine his entrepreneurial skills.