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Start date:
Jan 2008
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End date:
Feb 2010
- Contact:
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Funder:
eHarmony
The project uses survey data from Australian and UK couples to look at the significance and impact of the Internet on intimate relationships, including how people use ICTs to meet each other and maintain relationships, and how ICTs affect their behaviour.
Overview
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.
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.
Support
This research project is supported by a grant and collaboration from eHarmony, a US-based online match-making company supporting research on the science of relationships. 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 Dr Bernie Hogan.
People
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Professor William H. Dutton
Oxford Internet Institute
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Dr Bernie Hogan
Oxford Internet Institute
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Dr Nai Li
Oxford Internet Institute
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Dr Grant Blank
Oxford Internet Institute
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Dr Monica Whitty
Nottingham Trent University
Publications
Articles
- Dutton, W.H., Helsper, E.J., Whitty, M.T., Li, N., Buckwalter, J.G. and Lee, E. (2009) The Role of the Internet in Reconfiguring Marriages: A Cross-national Study. Interpersona 3 (Suppl.2) 3-18.
Presentations
- Dutton, W.H., Helsper, E.J. and Whitty, M. (2008) Marriage and the Internet. Presented at One Plus One seminar, 30 July 2008.
Reports
- Helsper, E.J. and Whitty, M. (2008) The Role of the Internet in Intimate Relationships. Keho – Peach eZine 4 (October).
- Hogan, B., Li, N. and Dutton, W.H. (2011) A Global Shift in the Social Relationships of Networked Individuals: Meeting and Dating Online Comes of Age. Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford.
Working papers
- Dutton, W.H., Helsper, E.J., Whitty, M.T., Buckwalter, G. and Lee, E. (2008) Mate Selection in the Network Society: The Role of the Internet in Reconfiguring Marriages in Australia, the United Kingdom and United States.
Events
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Symposium on Relationships and the Internet
9 December 2011, 10:00:00 - 13:00:00
This symposium is designed to engage a small group of academic researchers producing scholarship on how online contexts such as online dating and social media are facilitating and hindering personal, social and romantic relationships.
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Forum on Relationships and the Internet
4 December 2009, 10:00:00 - 16:00:00
This forum will look at the state of the art of academic research on relationships and the Internet and how this research informs research on the social aspects of the Internet in general, such as issues of trust and identity.
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Meeting, Dating, Marriage and the Internet
3 October 2008, 10:00:00 - 15:30:00
A forum exploring the history and future of academic research on online dating, and the role of the Internet in developing and maintaining intimate relationships, such as a marriage.
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You’ve Got Mail: Meeting, Dating, Marriage and the Internet
2 October 2008, 17:00:00 - 18:30:00
This forum panel provides 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.
Videos
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A Perspective on the History and Future of Online Dating
Duration: 00:29:10
Date: 2 October 2008
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the ... Read More A Perspective on the History and Future of Online Dating
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Digital Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Relationship Gains and Losses from Internet Communication
Duration: 00:29:51
Date: 2 October 2008
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the ... Read More Digital Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Relationship Gains and Losses from Internet Communication
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A Progressive Affair: From Online Dating to Real World Mating
Duration: 00:42:10
Date: 2 October 2008
This is part of a forum panel that provided a critical perspective on the history and future of the ... Read More A Progressive Affair: From Online Dating to Real World Mating
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Presentation and Perception on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Joseph Walther
Duration: 00:04:11
Date: 10 December 2011
Joseph Walther describes the hyperpersonal model and its relevance to the study of online dating. 'Idealisation' of perception and ... Read More Presentation and Perception on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Joseph Walther
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Partner Compatibility and Online Dating Sites: Interview with Erina Lee
Duration: 00:04:37
Date: 10 December 2011
Erina Lee discusses the importance of similarity between partners in terms of long-term relationship satisfaction. She discusses some compatibility ... Read More Partner Compatibility and Online Dating Sites: Interview with Erina Lee
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‘Deception’ on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Jeff Hancock
Duration: 00:04:01
Date: 10 December 2011
Jeff Hancock talks with co-author Nicole Ellison about their work on the issue of 'deception' on online dating sites ... Read More ‘Deception’ on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Jeff Hancock
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Scammers on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Monica Whitty
Duration: 00:06:04
Date: 10 December 2011
Monica Whitty discusses her recent work on dating scams, which has focused on attempting to identify a typology of ... Read More Scammers on Online Dating Sites: Interview with Monica Whitty
News
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Study: a third of us have used dating websites
14 February 2011
An Oxford University study suggests that nearly one in three of us who use the Internet have visited online dating sites.
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The Role of the Internet in UK Married Life: Survey Results from the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford
7 April 2008
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
Press
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New apps make adultery harder to hide
Date Published: 18 October 2014
Source: The Times
The Times reports on the development of apps to assist unfaithful partners cover their tracks whilst others assist the suspicious to check up on their partners. Bernie Hogan comments.
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The algorithm method: how internet dating became everyone’s route to a perfect love match
Date Published: 9 February 2014
Source: The Observer
The Observer looked at various online dating sites. eHarmony’s scientific, evidence based approach to matching couples is highlighted and research with the OII at the time of its launch is given as evidence of eHarmony’s serious approach.
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Tinder: the app that’s changing the way singletons meet and fall in love
Date Published: 24 November 2013
Source: The Observer
Tinder, a dating app which shows photographs of potential dates within a maximum distance set by the user, is the next step in internet dating says Bernie Hogan. It is more individualising than existing online dating sites he says.
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Tonight: Looking for Love
Date Published: 29 October 2013
Source: ITV
ITV article (including online video) features comments from Dr Bernie Hogan who says online dating is no longer stigmatised; 30% of people looking for a partner do so online.
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Little love as dating websites face complaints over contracts
Date Published: 4 March 2013
Source: Independent.ie
The European Consumer Centre in Dublin has seen a rise in the number of complaints since 2011 as more Irish singles use Internet dating sites. The report refers to the OII report 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet.'
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The science of falling in love: Finding the perfect partner online
Date Published: 29 March 2012
Source: Metro
A feature about online dating highlights eHarmony and notes that the system it launched in the UK in 2008 was developed with the help of the Oxford Internet Institute.
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Money can’t buy me love – or can it?
Date Published: 13 February 2012
Source: Irish Times
An article in the Irish Times timed for St Valentine's Day on the costs of dating refers to OII research on online dating.
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60 seconds with Bernie Hogan
Date Published: 31 October 2011
Source: Oxford Today
The Oxford Alumni magazine interviews Bernie Hogan about social network sites and online relationships. He says the next step is to make the online world as natural as walking into a room full of friends.
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Internet dating increasingly used by middle-aged
Date Published: 28 October 2011
Source: BBC Radio West Midlands
Bernie Hogan was interviewed by BBC Radio West Midlands morning news show about his study into online dating as part of the BBC "Give an Hour" initiative to help people online (from 42:00 on the iPlayer clock).
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Wie das Internet das Liebesleben bereichert
Date Published: 27 August 2011
Source: Science.orf.at
William Dutton is interviewed after his talk on "Meeting and Dating Online" given at the annual Austrian Institute of Technology Forum in Alpbach (in German).
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The Plankton Generation
Date Published: 4 August 2011
Source: Daily Mail
Bernie Hogan references OII research on online dating in an article on the dating prospects of middle-aged women and the partner choices of middle-aged men.
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What effect has the internet had on finding love?
Date Published: 1 May 2011
Source: The Observer
Alex Krotoski refers to the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' report on the impact of the Internet on intimate relationships, published earlier this year by OII researchers.
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Middle-aged are most likely to look for love online and a THIRD say they found partner on web
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: Daily Mail
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Internet makes matches made in heaven
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: The Scotsman
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Middle-aged people looking for love online
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: The Times of India
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Internet playing Cupid for middle-aged people:study
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: Daily News and Analysis (India)
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Bernie Hogan interviewed on Radio Oxford
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: BBC Radio Oxford
Bernie Hogan discusses the findings of an OII report on online dating
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Bernie Hogan interviewed on Radio Kent
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: BBC Radio Kent
Bernie Hogan discusses the findings of an OII report on online dating
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Middle aged most likely to seek love on the web
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: Reuters
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Middle-aged ‘look online for love’
Date Published: 14 February 2011
Source: Press Association
Coverage of an OII report on changes in online dating, part of the 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project.
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Virtual affair leads to real divorce for UK couple
Date Published: 15 November 2008
Source: Chicago Tribune
Ellen Helsper comments on the impact of the Web on relationships: 'The online drama shows how emotionally invested some people have become in their virtual identities'
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Virtual Affair Yields Real Divorce For UK Couple
Date Published: 14 November 2008
Source: The Huffington Post
Ellen Helsper comments on the impact of the Web on relationships: 'The online drama shows how emotionally invested some people have become in their virtual identities'
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Brits value sex and in-laws, Web dating company finds
Date Published: 7 October 2008
Source: Reuters
Coverage of the OII's 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project, looking at the Internet and relationships
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How to live and love online
Date Published: 7 October 2008
Source: 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
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Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match … if the algorithms agree
Date Published: 6 October 2008
Source: The Times
Coverage of the OII's 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet' project, looking at the Internet and relationships
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Couples admit spying on each other
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: Marie Claire
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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Couples admit to ‘snooping’ on each other
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: The Telegraph
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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Couples turn to online espionage
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: vnunet.com
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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Have you spied on your partner?
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: Guardian News Blog
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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One in five couples admit to ‘snooping’ by reading each other’s texts and emails
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: The Daily Mail
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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Online spousal spying widespread in the UK
Date Published: 8 April 2008
Source: The Register
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'
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‘One fifth of spouses’ net snoop
Date Published: 7 April 2008
Source: BBC News
Coverage of the OII project: 'Me, My Spouse and the Internet: Meeting, Dating and Marriage in the Digital Age'