Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age
January 2008 -
Participants
Professor William H. Dutton, Oxford Internet Institute
Dr Nai Li, Oxford Internet Institute
Monica Whitty, Nottingham Trent University
Abstract
Research themes
An important aspect of the way in which the Internet influences our everyday life is the way in which it reconfigures not only how we communicate, but also with whom we communicate; how we meet people but also who we meet.
This theme of 'reconfiguring access' is an important element of several of our research projects. The Oxford Internet Surveys (OxIS) have recently paid special attention to social networks and relationships formed through the Internet. Other examples of projects in this area include the eSocial Science (OeSS) project, the Companions project and research on mobile phones.
This project is supported by a grant and collaboration from e-Harmony.com, a US-based online match-making company supporting research on the science of relationships. The project contributes to our research into the impact of the Internet on social networks by looking at the significance and impact of the Internet on intimate relationships.
Internet and Marriage: Research Questions
Meeting a partner
What role does the Internet play in introducing married couples? What are the geographic, socioeconomic and psychological characteristics of people who first met their partner online compared with those who met in more traditional ways?
Online behaviour
Which online behaviours are considered unacceptable in a partner? What are the expectations within a marriage about online self-disclosure to others?
Maintaining relationships
What role does the Internet play in the quality of married life? How important is online communication in resolving marital conflict?
Methodology
This study will collect data through online surveys of married couples who used the Internet in 19 countries. A total of 9300 couples will be expected to answer the survey. Participants will be recruited from an international company specializing in online panels. Upon completion, participants will be asked to allow their spouses to complete the second half of the questionnaire. Questions asked of both participants will be identical.
Events
One Plus One Seminar (30 July 2008): Professor William Dutton, Dr Ellen Helsper (OII) and Dr Monica Whitty, (NTU) presented at a seminar organized by One plus One, in advance of the launch of their new online relationship support service (thecoupleconnection.net). Presentation Slides: Marriage and the Internet (pdf, 230kb)
Contact information
Professor William DuttonOxford Internet Institute Telephone: +44 (0)1865 287210 Fax: +44 (0)1865 287211 Email: director@oii.ox.ac.uk
Publications
- Dutton, W.H., Helsper, E.J., Whitty, M.T., Li, N., Buckwalter, J.G. and Lee, E. (forthcoming) The Role of the Internet in Reconfiguring Marriages: a Cross-National Study. Interpersona.
- Helsper, E.J. and Whitty, M. (2008) The Role of the Internet in Intimate Relationships. Keho - Peach eZine 4 (October).
Webcasts
A Perspective on the History and Future of Online Dating
Recorded on: 2 October 2008 Duration: 00:00:00
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the Internet's role in meeting new people, dating, and developing lasting relationships, such as through partnerships and marriage.
A Progressive Affair: From Online Dating to Real World Mating
Recorded on: 2 October 2008 Duration: 00:00:00
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the Internet's role in meeting new people, dating, and developing lasting relationships, such as through partnerships and marriage.
Digital Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Relationship Gains and Losses from Internet Communication
Recorded on: 2 October 2008 Duration: 00:00:00
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the Internet's role in meeting new people, dating, and developing lasting relationships, such as through partnerships and marriage.
Related news
Brits value sex and in-laws, Web dating company finds
7 October 2008 Reuters
Coverage of the OII's 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project, looking at the Internet and relationships
7 October 2008 BBC News
'It has often been said that opposites attract but research suggests that initial spark of attraction soon fades and does not make for a long and happy married life': coverage of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project
Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match ... if the algorithms agree
6 October 2008 The Times
Coverage of the OII's 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project, looking at the Internet and relationships
Couples admit spying on each other
8 April 2008 Marie Claire
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
Couples admit to 'snooping' on each other
8 April 2008 The Telegraph
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
Couples turn to online espionage
8 April 2008 vnunet.com
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
Have you spied on your partner?
8 April 2008 Guardian News Blog
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
One in five couples admit to 'snooping' by reading each other's texts and emails
8 April 2008 The Daily Mail
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
Online spousal spying widespread in the UK
8 April 2008 The Register
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
'One fifth of spouses' net snoop
7 April 2008 BBC News
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
7 April 2008 Oxford Internet Institute
The Internet is an important means of managing the relationships in our everyday lives. This OII survey draws on a representative sample of over 2000 married Internet users to understand the role played by the Internet in their relationships
Partners and sponsors
This research project is supported by a grant from E-Harmony.com, an online match-making company. We would like to continue and extend this project over time, and to include civil-contract and long-term cohabiting couples. Parties interested in supporting work in this area, or who have enquiries about this project, should contact Professor William Dutton.
Last updated on: 2 February 2010