Online Dating Caused a Rise in US Income Inequality, Research Paper Shows

The Study's Findings

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) has found that the rise of online dating has contributed to the increase in income inequality in the United States. The study found that people who met their partners online were more likely to be in higher-income households than those who met their partners offline.

The study's authors argue that this is because online dating allows people to search for partners based on specific criteria, such as income and education. This means that people who are already in high-income households are more likely to find partners who are also in high-income households.

What This Means for the Future

The study's findings have implications for the future of income inequality in the United States. If online dating continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that income inequality will continue to rise. This is because online dating makes it easier for people to find partners who are similar to themselves, both in terms of income and other characteristics.

The study's authors recommend that policymakers consider taking steps to address the potential impact of online dating on income inequality. One way to do this would be to promote policies that encourage people to meet partners offline. Another way would be to provide financial assistance to people who are struggling to find partners due to income inequality.

Conclusion

The study's findings have important implications for our understanding of income inequality in the United States. The study shows that online dating is a contributing factor to income inequality, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future. Policymakers should consider taking steps to address the potential impact of online dating on income inequality.

Source: https://www.nber.org/papers/w29035