Today, the internet offers almost everything, even a marriage partner. But according to a recent study done by the University of Michigan, couples that meet online, tend to suffer from poor relationships and are more likely to separate within the first year.
This analysis contradicts another study done by the University of Chicago, which implied that online relationships were stronger than conventional ones. Ironically, the study was funded by the dating site eHarmony.
Online, one can search for their future spouse according to their interests in music, food, work, culture and more. Marriage has been reduced to a plug and play scenario: select common interests, view pictures of prospective husband or wife, (normally from 10 years ago) and plug into my life.
Rather than understanding the true purpose of marriage, which entails sacrifice for the love of God, the idea of finding one’s “soul-mate” comes straight out of a Hollywood script playing into a romantic, sentimental fantasy about marriage. People think that they are going to live a perfect life happily ever after based on a profile description from some website.
This is all the more aggravated by misleading descriptions left by “mate shoppers.” More times than not, people provide false information that corresponds to what they would like to be rather than what they are, only worsening the problem. The University of Michigan’s study also suggested that those who date online are less willing to marry. CEO Sam Yagan of Match.com gives a clear answer as to why. He says people know they can quickly find someone else if their relationship goes bad. The sense of commitment and permanence are cast aside, while the pleasure of passions are gratified.
The consequences weigh heavily upon society further weakening the already much maligned and attacked institution of the family. The results cause children to receive less than the proper affection and formation while spouses suffer from the the lack of virtuous ideals that are necessary for a solid marriage. The family is a necessary pillar of civilization as it is the “cell” of society, and what happens in the family, happens in society.
The online dating sensation only fosters a craze with destructive results. This shows that one cannot live their life based on appearances and passions, but rather in accord with good morals and reason. Only then will society be able to function properly and flourish.