Outcomes reported, numbers and design features of studies, and year range of publications included in the systematic review to inform online dating
| Steps Number of studies, years of publication | Outcomes | Study design features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randomisation | Cohort | Cross-sectional | Qualitative | Systematic review | ||
| 1. Creating a profile | ||||||
| Screen name 6, 1973–2010 | Uniqueness, likeability, physical attractiveness, intelligence, desirability, success, popularity | 1 | 1 | 4 | – | – |
| Primary photograph 7, 1975–2012 | Likeability, attractiveness, trustworthiness, flirtatiousness, intellectual capability, honesty, positive impressions | 1 | 3 | 3 | – | – |
| Headline message 4, 1982–2012 | Intelligence rating, success, correlation with photo attractiveness | – | – | 4 | – | – |
| Photo gallery 5, 1978–2011 | Interest, impression formation, assertiveness, expressiveness, attractiveness, perceived power | 1 | – | 4 | – | – |
| Description of personal traits 10, 2004–2012 | Subjective well-being, self-esteem, romantic preference and outcome, anticipated future interaction, relationship potential and outcome | 1 | – | 6 | 3 | – |
| 2. Browsing, inviting and communication | ||||||
| Browse 6, 1998–2011 | Response rate, likeability, satisfaction with choice, preference, self-perception and shared identity, romantic desire | 5 | 1 | – | – | |
| Invitation 7, 1975–2004 | Lasting contact, perceived truth of statements, matching outcomes, response rate | 3 | 1 | 3 | – | – |
| Initial electronic exchange 11, 1981–2012 | Lasting contact, self-disclosure, request compliance, likeability, attraction, success of relationship | 2 | 3 | 4 | – | 2 |
| Detecting deception 11, 1991–2012 | Lying behaviour and detection, online relationship formation | 2 | – | 4 | 2 | – |
| Video communication 22, 1962–2007 | Attractiveness, liking, mood, judgement, affective forecasting, relationship outcomes, perception by others | 12 | 4 | 5 | – | 1 |