Online daters with lots of suitors are less satisfied
Online daters with lots of potential suitors are less satisfied and more likely to pursue other partners, new research reveals.
The researchers believe having lots of choice makes people think of 'what might have been'.
This then prompts the daters to go back online seeking more romantic encounters, they add.
Study author Professor Catalina Toma from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, said: 'Sifting through choices is potentially problematic in that it can create the perception that the grass is always greener.
Co-author Jonathan D'Angelo added: 'This research suggests that even though you're meeting people who are potentially similar, there can be downside to having that much access.'
Online daters with lots of potential suitors are less satisfied and more likely to pursue others
FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE BEING 'HIGH' ON DRUGS Falling in love is like being 'high' on drugs, research revealed last month. Meeting somebody special gives us the same buzz as cocaine and other illegal substances, a study found. Findings show the feelings of giddiness and butterflies in our stomach that we experience when falling for somebody triggers certain brain cells. Previous research shows specific brain cell activation causes a surge in the 'feel good' hormone dopamine, which is also released after recreational drug use. Researchers from Emory University in Atlanta believe the findings give insight into how we can influence social interactions, which may one day benefit patients suffering from autism.
How the study was carried out
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison analyzed 152 undergraduate students.
Some had a choice of 24 potential partners on an online dating site.
The remainder had just six to choose from.
Key findings
Results revealed those with a larger choice of partners were less satisfied with their selection after just one week.
They were also more likely to change partners.
The researchers believe having more choices causes people to think of 'what might have been', prompting them to pursue more dates online.
Professor Toma said: 'Sifting through choices is potentially problematic in that it can create the perception that the grass is always greener.
Mr D'Angelo added: 'There can be more regret when [you] know there are other options.
'This research suggests that even though you're meeting people who are potentially similar, there can be downside to having that much access.'
The findings were published in the journal Media Psychology.