Matches made over internet often disappoint

Researcher tells of pitfalls of finding a partner online

23 May 2008 11:36 GMT / By Katie Scott

According to new research, online love matches are more likely to fail.

An Australian psychologist, Matthew Bambling from the Queensland University of Technology, claims that matches made over the web often fail because people are often disappointed with the real person they finally meet after sparks online.

Bambling says that women in particular are prone to picking Mr Wrong after falling for witty online banter or clever emails, but then find out, much to their heartbreak, "You can never assume things are the way they seem online".

He added that some men even use the concept of "netting", sending emails to dozens of women and hoping one might respond, so the email that makes you go all gooey might not even be for your eyes only.

Bambling also claims that people are more likely to lie online, exaggerating their good points and hiding anything bad.

"Few guys for example would say 'look, I'm a middle aged alcoholic who's been married five times, pick me'. They're going to present themselves as a good catch."

But Bambling does admit that receiving lots of flattering emails from seemingly attractive potential partners is obviously quite addictive, but still maintains that the online persona and real person can differ hugely.

He says email alone does not a match make.

"The main thing to remember is to make real life contact as soon as possible if you are to interested in someone, because then you will know if a relationship is a possibility."

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