While there has been a surge in popularity of
online dating, the current polarized political climate in the U.S. may
influence how online daters select a desired partner. The present study
examined the relation between political affiliation, partner preferences, and
gender beliefs with a sample of 373 online dating users. Democrats (n =
196) showed stronger preference for an intimate partner of the same party
compared to Republicans (n = 90). Democrats (particularly women) also
identified that having a different political affiliation as a deal-breaker more
so than Republicans. Regarding gender role beliefs, Republicans (particularly
men) showed significantly higher traditional gender role beliefs than
Democrats. However, gender-based differences were not observed among Democrats;
both Democratic men and women showed equally less traditional gender role
beliefs compared to Republican women and men. Implications for dating
prospects, particularly for Republican men, are discussed.
