Most babies will be born to parents who met online by 2037, study shows

Researchers say that by 2037, most babies will be born to parents who met online on dating apps such as Tinder.
Leon Neal / Staff / Getty

More babies will be born to parents who met online rather than offline by the year 2037, a new study has suggested.

Researchers have said that within the next decade 40 per cent of babies will be so-called “e-babies,” – born to parents who met on the internet.

A study by dating platform eharmony and the Imperial College Business School were made based on the dating site’s data and official birth rate projections.

The data highlights the shifting habits of those looking to meet a partner.

Around a third (32 per cent) of relationships started between 2015 and 2019 began online, compared to only 19 per cent between 2005 and 2014.

By 2035, the study predicts that the UK will reach the "tipping point" that more than 50 per cent of relationships will begin online.

The research also indicated online dating had given Britons more confidence.

Some 47 per cent of those asked said they felt that the internet makes it easier for introverted people to meet a partner.

Romain Bertrand, head of marketing at eharmony, said: "It's very positive to see that online dating is set to continue opening doors for singles into the future.

"At eharmony we are consistently updating our site functionality and unique Compatibility Matching System to ensure we remain on the front foot when it comes to creating online relationships.

"What's more, our long-term partnership with Imperial College Business School continues to give us valuable insight into how the world of dating and relationships might look in decades to come and how society will continue to evolve over time."

Dr Paolo Taticchi, principal teaching fellow at Imperial College Business School, said: "The digital world has streamlined the online dating process - making it easier to find someone while ensuring that they match your criteria.

"2035 will be an instrumental year for finding love and begin a new era of 21st century dating."

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