2012 Singles In America Report: Dating In A Digital World

For this year's annual 'Singles In America' study, Match.com teamed up with world-renowned biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher of Rutgers University. The findings of the comprehensive study debunk common dating myths and paint a comprehensive picture of dating in the modern age.

"The media portrays long-term love and commitment as being doomed," says Dr. Fisher. "Sexting, new attitudes about virginity, the rise of 'friends with benefits,' emerging 'Internet etiquette' and women's rising roles in courtship all presage a dramatically new dating landscape. But even the bad economy can't kill love."

When it comes to dating in a digital world, the 'Singles In America' study has this to say:

• Many women research a date ahead of time, but men don't approve of pre-date Googling. 48% of single women (and 38% of single men) admit to looking a new date up on Facebook before meeting for the first time. Although social 'stalking' is increasingly commonplace, nearly half of all single men (49%) think it's unacceptable.
• Not only is dating presearch becoming more common and controversial, it's also becoming a weightier factor in who we date. 49% of women and 27% of men would cancel a first date over something they found while looking up the person online.
• Clearly it's important that we all learn to put our best face [book] forward. 27% of single men and 26% of single women say they have cleaned up their Facebook profiles before accepting friend requests from potential suitors (or say they would do so in the future).
• If current trends continue, privacy may be a thing of the past. 77% of women and 53% of men believe in digital transparency, saying they would not date someone who was secretive with their text messages.
• Younger singles are the most likely to snoop. Singles in their 20s are most likely to become digital detectives, searching through a partner's Facebook page (29%), text messages (26%), and email (18%). Older singles, in their 30s and 40s, are more likely to snoop through a partner's medicine cabinet, and nearly ¼ of all female singles, regardless of age, admit to searching a date's pocket, drawers, or closets.

Though they may sound less than ideal, Dr. Fisher thinks the changes are ultimately for the best. "Despite all we hear about hooking up and divorce," she reassures, "we now have significant data that shows American singles (including men) are earnestly seeking respect, trust, transparency and commitment in a relationship. Over the three years of this study, women have consistently wanted more independence, while men have expressed more interest in romance. Nevertheless, both sexes believe a relationship can last, and both continue their primordial drive to find and keep love."

To find out more about the service which created this report you can read our Match.com review.