To achieve these results – which are, one insists, only average Statistics -, the researchers in question interviewed 6,646 people around the world, in “50 countries from all continents with the exception of Antarctica”. Among other things, they were asked to assess their “Level of intimacy” with the other (the feeling of understanding of their partner), or their « engagement » common (considering the relationship as sustainable or not). Upon arrival, the respondents who met their online partner displayed a “Average note” 4.20 out of 5 in terms of « satisfaction »against 4.28 among those who met their offline partner.
A weak difference but “Statistically significant”to use the expression of the new scientist specialized media, which reports levels “Intimacy, passion and commitment” also lower in these couples formed thanks to digital: 4.20 (against 4.26) for “Intimacy”3.96 (against 4.04) for the « passion »and so on. “These results do not mean that online relationships are doomed to failure, as are partners who meet in” real life “are not guaranteed to live a lasting relationship, specifies Craig Roberts, professor of psychology at the University of Stirling and co-author of the study, on the site of his faculty. But they reveal interesting trends, which could enlighten us on the probability of success of relationships when they start in the digital space. »»
“Devanity of choice”
Because, to explain this recurring difference, the authors mention in particular the role of the objectification processes generated by the meeting apps. Thus of Marta Kowal, of the University of Wrocław, in Poland, which takes the example of the size, criterion of presentation among others online, that some tend to exaggerate (or, conversely, to decrease) to comply with the expectations of their dates. What to generate “Distrust” or even ” resentment “including in the long term, once the lie is unmasked, exposes the scientist to New Scientist.
