Watching the online dating landscape evolve in Wisconsin

 
Nice blend of personal experiences and stats in this trend piece on online dating from Andrea Behling of GazetteXtra in Wisconson.

Interesting insights from Janesville resident Katherine Eagan, who has seen the best and worst of online dating during her 20 years of using online dating sites, and from a university professor who has watched attitudes about online dating change over the years. From the story:

Eagan, who turns 60 in November, is among the 10 percent of Americans who have used an online dating site or a mobile dating app, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center report.

Online dating has made its way to No. 2 on the list of most common ways for couples to meet, according to many studies.

Attitudes toward online dating have become more positive, too, researchers say.

“The stigma has significantly gone away,” said Susan Wildermuth, an associate professor at UW-Whitewater who has studied online dating ...

While a growing familiarity with the Internet has produced a “wonderful online community” for those looking to meet people, online dating still has its flaws, she said.

“It's got a very dark side,” Wildermuth said.

Eagan knows this, too, having been deceived and robbed of $2,000 by a man she met online.

This story also offers a nice overview of what online dating is all about, from apps and online dating services to chat rooms.