Online Dating: Modern Options of Searching for a Partner and Its Implications for Psychotherapy

The evolution of digital media over the last 20 years has led to changes in many areas of daily life. This also includes couple relationships, since a large proportion of romantic relationships are initiated via the internet or smartphone apps nowadays: in 2017, 30% of users in the USA (age 18–29) used online dating websites or apps (Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/706499/us-adults-online-dating-site-app-by-age/ , 2018). The chapter provides an overview of the psychological research fields as well as the current state of research concerning online dating, including (1) the initiation of relationships online, (2) types and motives of online dating, (3) differences between online and offline partnerships regarding relationship development and satisfaction, as well as (4) advantages and clinically relevant problems (such as stalking or love scamming) that can arise from online dating. Additionally, research desiderata will be discussed and case studies will offer implications for psychotherapeutic work. Psychotherapists should be aware of the current trends in online dating to both identify the corresponding opportunities for and with their patients as well as managing potential problems.