It seems more and more of us are heading online to find love resulting in the rise of a phenomenon dubbed: ‘e-babies’.
As meeting online increasingly becomes the norm, a new report by Monash University, together with eharmony – the first ‘Future of Dating’ report, predicts that by 2038, more babies will be born to parents who met online rather than offline.
This new report, by experts at the popular dating site and researchers from Monash Business School and the University’s Faculty of Information Technology, shines a light on the many meaningful connections online dating creates.
I have no doubt that for many, dating sites work – I’m told it’s a ‘numbers game’. But for me? I mean, at one point I think I must have downloaded and deleted one of the dating apps about four or five times, ultimately deciding to stay off it … I’ve since met my beau, J. Not on a dating app. Still online, though … (looking at you, Instagram!)
Back to e-babies.
The ‘Future of Dating’ report surveyed more than 2,000 Australians and predicts, based on projections from current trends, that by 2038 more than half of the babies born will be born to couples who met online.
In fact, the report suggests that by 2030, over a third of babies will be e-babies.
Considering just a few years ago online dating was a bit taboo, this is pretty astounding.
“In our first ‘Future of Dating’ report with Monash University, we’re delighted to see that online dating has created so many Australian families, and that will continue to increase this wonderful legacy,” says VP International at eharmony, Romain Bertrand.
It’s no secret that online dating sites have received a bad rap over the years, but Mr Bertrand says this report is testament to the fact that there are “many benefits that online dating can bring, with many singles looking at technology to find real and meaningful relationships”.
However, for those who want to find love online, especially as we head towards Valentine’s Day, eharmony Relationship Expert, Sharon Draper advises that “if you’re new to online dating and you want to find a serious relationship, think carefully about the type of person you want to attract”.
“Avoid endless cycles of casual dating by looking for a person who shares your values, personality traits and, most importantly, your goals,” she says.
oh my gosia 