In recent decades, the way couples meet in the United States has undergone a dramatic shift, primarily driven by the rise of the internet and dating apps. The viral You Tube video “How Couples Meet in the US” highlights the sharp decline in traditional ways of meeting a partner—such as through friends, family, or work—and the surge in online dating, now the most common method for couples to form romantic connections.

This timeline of trends from 1930 to 2024 is based on a nationally representative survey of American adults. Traditional methods of meeting through family, church, neighborhood, or school began their steady decline after 1940, while the rapid rise in couples meeting online corresponds to the launch of the World Wide Web in 1995 and the widespread adoption of smartphones after 2007. The data is drawn from a Stanford University Social Science study, offering an insightful look into the evolving dynamics of relationships in the U.S. 

The Decline of Traditional Methods

Prior to the internet boom, couples largely met through friends and family, with “through friends” being the dominant method from 1950 until roughly 2010. As the graph shows, in 1990, nearly 40% of couples were introduced to each other by mutual friends, underscoring the importance of social circles in relationship formation. However, that number has steadily declined since the early 2000s, as technology began to change the landscape of dating.

Meeting through work, bars, or shared community ties like grade school or college, also saw declines. Particularly notable is how “through family” fell sharply over the decades—from a major method of introduction in the 1950s to almost negligible by 2020. In a society that has grown more individualistic, meeting through direct social networks has become less common, as people have shifted to broader, more impersonal methods.

The Rise of Online Dating

The biggest trend evident in the graph is the steep rise of couples meeting online, especially since 2000. By 2020, online dating was the dominant way couples met, far surpassing any other method. This shift is due in part to the accessibility and convenience of the internet. Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have removed the barriers of geography and time, allowing people to connect with potential partners anywhere, anytime.

The rapid increase in online dating has raised questions about how the nature of relationships may be changing. With more options than ever, people may be taking longer to settle down or may be more likely to search for partners outside of their immediate social circles. While this could be seen as a positive for expanding dating options, it may also result in more transient or superficial connections.

Impact on Divorce Rates

The shift to online dating has also sparked interest in its potential impact on long-term relationship stability, including divorce rates. Research has shown that couples who meet online may be just as likely, if not more, to marry and stay together compared to those who meet through traditional means. This may be due to the wider pool of potential partners and the ability to form connections based on shared interests and values. However, some experts caution that the convenience of online dating may also contribute to less investment in relationships, leading to higher levels of dissatisfaction and, potentially, divorce. The long-term effects of this shift are still being studied, but it is clear that the way we form romantic relationships continues to evolve.

The Future of Dating

As the internet becomes an even more integral part of daily life, it’s likely that online dating will continue to grow. However, the long-term effects on relationship stability, satisfaction, and societal norms remain to be seen. While online platforms have revolutionized how couples meet, the question remains whether they will change how people view commitment and long-term partnerships. Mix in AI and Only Fans, things may get interesting.