39% Of Americans Believe Their Soulmate Is On A Dating App
by Rafael Pena
February 14, 2024
A recent survey conducted by Boston University’s College of Communication and Ipsos sheds light on Americans’ perceptions of dating apps.
In the era of digital romance, a recent media and technology survey conducted by Boston University’s College of Communication and Ipsos sheds light on Americans’ perceptions of dating apps. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the survey reveals confidence and skepticism among users.
According to the survey, a substantial number of Americans, regardless of gender, believe that dating apps hold the potential for soulmate connections. About 39% of respondents—42% of men and 37% of women—agreed or strongly agreed that “people can find their soulmates” on these platforms. The sentiment was particularly strong among the younger demographic: 58% of 18 to 34-year-olds expressed confidence.
However, when it comes to the effectiveness of these apps in fostering successful relationships, the opinions were more divided. A mere 15% of respondents, including 17% of men and 13% of women, agreed or strongly agreed that “dating apps are the best way to find a successful relationship these days” while 41% disagreed.
The survey also revealed that 62% of respondents believe people tend to lie on these platforms.
“Though people feel soulmates may be hiding out on dating apps, they are hesitant to fully trust these technologies alone,” said Kathryn Coduto, an assistant professor at Boston University College of Communication, whose recent research has focused on the impact of dating app technology on user trust.
The survey also explored attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a crucial component of many apps dedicated to dating. While 17% of respondents believe AI-powered apps lead to more successful relationships, 35% expressed skepticism about the technology’s efficacy.
Furthermore, concerns about the prevalence of chatbots—machines posing as real people—on dating apps were evident: 47% of respondents felt these platforms are filled with too many untrustworthy chatbots.
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