Abstract
Matching algorithms are a central feature of online dating, yet little research exists on their effectiveness—or people’s perceptions of their effectiveness—for recommending a mate. Accordingly, this study explores the effects of people’s beliefs in the legitimacy of algorithms on their first date with an online dating partner. Longitudinal survey data were collected from online dating participants leading up to and following the first date. Findings suggested that whether algorithms actually worked mattered less than whether participants had the perception that they worked for finding a partner. Moreover, participants reported better first dates to the extent that they believed in the efficacy of the compatibility matching process. The results have implications for understanding the role of algorithms in shaping relationship success on and off the internet.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 931-952 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Communication Research |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- algorithms
- compatibility matching
- expectancy theory
- online dating
- relationships
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Communication
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language