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Is online dating a waste of money?

This is the question asked by reporter Katie Lietz of Purdue University's The Exponent. [link]

When professional journalists want to get an opinion about online dating, they usually call up one of the online dating services such as Match.com and speak to someone in media relations. But this college reporter took a different route, and talked to college professors.

Ximena Arriaga, associate professor of psychological sciences, said that sites like these often set people up for disappointment.

"Anyone who promises a scientific formula for finding true love is overstating," she said.

Another professor had the following to say:

Margaret Keiley, associate professor of child development and family studies, was slightly more skeptical.

"I think it’s a waste of money. It’s a way people have found to make money off other vulnerable people," she said.

Kudos to Ms. Leitz for some excellent reporting.

posted June 23, 2004