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People who have internet access at home are more likely to be in a relationship, with the Web gaining in importance as a meeting place for those seeking love, according to new research.
Researchers from Stanford University in the US said the Internet may soon replace friends as the main way in which people meet their partners.
"Although prior research on the social impacts of Internet use has been rather ambiguous about the social cost of time spent online, our research suggests that Internet access has an important role to play in helping find mates," said Mike Rosenfeld, an associate professor of sociology.
The study showed that 82.2 per cent of people in the study who had Internet access at home also had a spouse or romantic partner, compared to 62.8 per cent for those who did not have internet access. Rosenfeld and Reuben Thomas, of the City University of New York, found the Internet is gaining importance as a place where couples meet.
