Algorithm Matchmaker: Online Dating Leading to More Diverse Couples
From arranged marriages to swiping left and right on your phone, the so-called “traditional” way of dating has changed drastically over time. While most couples used to meet in-person through family and friends, today their matchmaker is an algorithm. Research done by The University of New Mexico says most couples are now meeting online.
In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Sociology Professor Reuben Thomas, who is discussing his latest research connected to online dating and how dating apps are leading to more diverse couples in a handful of ways.
About Our Guest(s)
Reuben Thomas
Reuben (Jack) Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at The University of New Mexico. His studies focus on interpersonal social networks, their origins and how they are related to other social phenomena. Prof. Thomas has researched how people meet their friends and romantic partners and how that affects the homogeneity of those relationships.
Hosted by UCAM's Alexa Skonieski
From podcast listener to podcast host, Alexa Skonieski is a university communication representative on The University of New Mexico’s Communication and Marketing team (UCAM). She’s thrilled to spread the word on important research coming out of UNM, New Mexico’s flagship university. In addition to producing It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science, she writes stories and creates videos for the UNM Newsroom, the university’s official communication platform.
Skonieski is a graduate of Central Michigan University’s School of Communication, Journalism, and Media (’19). She is a former news reporter/anchor who worked at TV stations in Michigan, Nebraska, and most recently in New Mexico at KRQE News 13, where she won a New Mexico Broadcasters Association award. She is passionate about academic research and wants its topics to be understandable and accessible to everyone. People should know the important role UNM plays. She hopes you’ll subscribe to the show and follow along!