#agegap — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #agegap, aggregated by home.social.
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DATE: August 9, 2026 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Dating apps tend to encourage age similarity rather than diversity
URL: https://www.psypost.org/dating-apps-tend-to-encourage-age-similarity-rather-than-diversity/
People in same-sex relationships tend to partner with individuals who are different from them in age, race, and education more often than people in different-sex relationships do. A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family suggests that dating apps do not entirely explain these demographic differences, even though same-sex couples are much more likely to meet online. Instead of encouraging people to date broadly outside their age group, online dating actually tends to bring together individuals who are closer in age.
Homogamy is a sociological term for the tendency of individuals to form romantic relationships with people who share similar social characteristics, such as race, educational background, and age. This pattern plays a major role in society by concentrating resources like wealth and education within certain households. Most previous research on partner selection has focused on heterosexual populations.
Jisu Park, a research scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, conducted the study to understand the mechanisms driving partner selection among different types of couples. Prior evidence indicates that same-sex couples exhibit lower levels of homogamy than different-sex couples. They are generally more likely to form partnerships with people of a different race, a different education level, or a notably different age.
Park explored whether the ways people meet might explain this gap. Sexual minority individuals often face smaller, more geographically scattered pools of potential partners in their daily lives. Because of this, they rely heavily on digital platforms. Online dating could theoretically reduce partner similarity by exposing users to a wider, more diverse pool of people. On the other hand, the detailed search filters and algorithms on dating apps might help users seek out partners who perfectly match their preferences, potentially increasing similarity.
To test these ideas, Park analyzed data from the 2017 How Couples Meet and Stay Together survey. The nationally representative sample included 3,292 English-speaking adults in the United States. Within this group, 2,994 respondents were in different-sex relationships and 298 were in same-sex relationships.
The survey provided information on whether the respondents met their current or most recent partner through an online dating platform. Park also measured whether the partners matched in three specific areas: race, educational attainment, and age. Age similarity was divided into three categories: a gap of zero to two years, a gap of three to five years, and a gap of six or more years. Statistical models accounted for several variables, including the respondent’s gender, employment status, household income, marital status, relationship length, age, race, and education.
The initial analysis highlighted demographic differences in how couples form. Nearly one-third of same-sex couples, about 31.9 percent, met their partner online. This compares to just 10.1 percent of different-sex couples.
Same-sex couples were also less similar to their partners across all three measured categories. About 30.2 percent of same-sex couples were in interracial relationships, compared to 19.9 percent of different-sex couples. Large age differences were also more common in these partnerships. Around 41.3 percent of individuals in same-sex relationships reported an age gap of six or more years, compared to 24.8 percent of people in different-sex relationships. Similar patterns emerged for educational differences, with same-sex couples having roughly 38.8 percent higher relative odds of partnering across different education levels.
When looking at whether online dating explained these gaps, Park found that digital platforms did not account for the differences in racial or educational matching between the two groups. Meeting online did not show a statistical association with whether couples shared the same race or education level on a broad scale.
However, online dating did play a role in age matching. Meeting a partner online was associated with roughly 37.4 percent lower odds of having an age gap of six or more years. Because same-sex couples are highly likely to meet online, and online dating tends to match people closer in age, digital platforms actually suppressed the overall age gap. If same-sex couples did not use dating apps at such high rates, their age differences would likely be even larger than what the data currently shows.
Park also looked at how online dating operates differently depending on the type of relationship. For same-sex couples, meeting online was associated with a higher probability of being in an interracial relationship. For different-sex couples, meeting online showed no such association with racial mixing. Regarding age, online platforms were linked to smaller age gaps for both types of couples, though the specific mathematical categories varied slightly between the groups.
The study relies on observational data, meaning it cannot confirm that online dating directly causes changes in partner preferences. It is possible that individuals who choose to use dating apps already possess different attitudes about dating outside their race or age group compared to people who meet partners in person. The specific features of dating apps, such as how profiles display age and education, might influence choices, but the available data cannot separate platform design from user preference.
The relatively small number of same-sex couples in the dataset limits the statistical power of the analysis. A smaller sample makes it harder to detect nuanced differences, such as variations between gay male and lesbian couples, who often exhibit different relationship patterns.
Future studies could examine how age and generational changes influence digital dating habits. Online dating has become much more normalized over the past two decades. People who grew up with dating apps might show different partner selection patterns compared to older generations who adopted the technology later in life. Additionally, exploring how different rates of relationship breakups affect the demographic makeup of long-term couples would provide a more complete picture of modern romance.
The study, “How I Met My Partner: Online Dating and the Homogamy Gap Between Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples,” was authored by Jisu Park.
URL: https://www.psypost.org/dating-apps-tend-to-encourage-age-similarity-rather-than-diversity/
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Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #DatingApps #Homogamy #SameSexRelationships #AgeGap #OnlineDating #PartnerSelection #DiversityInDating #RomanticMatches #SocioDemographics #RelationshipResearch
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DATE: August 9, 2026 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Dating apps tend to encourage age similarity rather than diversity
URL: https://www.psypost.org/dating-apps-tend-to-encourage-age-similarity-rather-than-diversity/
People in same-sex relationships tend to partner with individuals who are different from them in age, race, and education more often than people in different-sex relationships do. A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family suggests that dating apps do not entirely explain these demographic differences, even though same-sex couples are much more likely to meet online. Instead of encouraging people to date broadly outside their age group, online dating actually tends to bring together individuals who are closer in age.
Homogamy is a sociological term for the tendency of individuals to form romantic relationships with people who share similar social characteristics, such as race, educational background, and age. This pattern plays a major role in society by concentrating resources like wealth and education within certain households. Most previous research on partner selection has focused on heterosexual populations.
Jisu Park, a research scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, conducted the study to understand the mechanisms driving partner selection among different types of couples. Prior evidence indicates that same-sex couples exhibit lower levels of homogamy than different-sex couples. They are generally more likely to form partnerships with people of a different race, a different education level, or a notably different age.
Park explored whether the ways people meet might explain this gap. Sexual minority individuals often face smaller, more geographically scattered pools of potential partners in their daily lives. Because of this, they rely heavily on digital platforms. Online dating could theoretically reduce partner similarity by exposing users to a wider, more diverse pool of people. On the other hand, the detailed search filters and algorithms on dating apps might help users seek out partners who perfectly match their preferences, potentially increasing similarity.
To test these ideas, Park analyzed data from the 2017 How Couples Meet and Stay Together survey. The nationally representative sample included 3,292 English-speaking adults in the United States. Within this group, 2,994 respondents were in different-sex relationships and 298 were in same-sex relationships.
The survey provided information on whether the respondents met their current or most recent partner through an online dating platform. Park also measured whether the partners matched in three specific areas: race, educational attainment, and age. Age similarity was divided into three categories: a gap of zero to two years, a gap of three to five years, and a gap of six or more years. Statistical models accounted for several variables, including the respondent’s gender, employment status, household income, marital status, relationship length, age, race, and education.
The initial analysis highlighted demographic differences in how couples form. Nearly one-third of same-sex couples, about 31.9 percent, met their partner online. This compares to just 10.1 percent of different-sex couples.
Same-sex couples were also less similar to their partners across all three measured categories. About 30.2 percent of same-sex couples were in interracial relationships, compared to 19.9 percent of different-sex couples. Large age differences were also more common in these partnerships. Around 41.3 percent of individuals in same-sex relationships reported an age gap of six or more years, compared to 24.8 percent of people in different-sex relationships. Similar patterns emerged for educational differences, with same-sex couples having roughly 38.8 percent higher relative odds of partnering across different education levels.
When looking at whether online dating explained these gaps, Park found that digital platforms did not account for the differences in racial or educational matching between the two groups. Meeting online did not show a statistical association with whether couples shared the same race or education level on a broad scale.
However, online dating did play a role in age matching. Meeting a partner online was associated with roughly 37.4 percent lower odds of having an age gap of six or more years. Because same-sex couples are highly likely to meet online, and online dating tends to match people closer in age, digital platforms actually suppressed the overall age gap. If same-sex couples did not use dating apps at such high rates, their age differences would likely be even larger than what the data currently shows.
Park also looked at how online dating operates differently depending on the type of relationship. For same-sex couples, meeting online was associated with a higher probability of being in an interracial relationship. For different-sex couples, meeting online showed no such association with racial mixing. Regarding age, online platforms were linked to smaller age gaps for both types of couples, though the specific mathematical categories varied slightly between the groups.
The study relies on observational data, meaning it cannot confirm that online dating directly causes changes in partner preferences. It is possible that individuals who choose to use dating apps already possess different attitudes about dating outside their race or age group compared to people who meet partners in person. The specific features of dating apps, such as how profiles display age and education, might influence choices, but the available data cannot separate platform design from user preference.
The relatively small number of same-sex couples in the dataset limits the statistical power of the analysis. A smaller sample makes it harder to detect nuanced differences, such as variations between gay male and lesbian couples, who often exhibit different relationship patterns.
Future studies could examine how age and generational changes influence digital dating habits. Online dating has become much more normalized over the past two decades. People who grew up with dating apps might show different partner selection patterns compared to older generations who adopted the technology later in life. Additionally, exploring how different rates of relationship breakups affect the demographic makeup of long-term couples would provide a more complete picture of modern romance.
The study, “How I Met My Partner: Online Dating and the Homogamy Gap Between Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples,” was authored by Jisu Park.
URL: https://www.psypost.org/dating-apps-tend-to-encourage-age-similarity-rather-than-diversity/
-------------------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
-------------------------------------------------
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #DatingApps #Homogamy #SameSexRelationships #AgeGap #OnlineDating #PartnerSelection #DiversityInDating #RomanticMatches #SocioDemographics #RelationshipResearch
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mogan babysitter au doodle~ there's benefits to babysitting the rich religious family's cute kid!!
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CW: NSFW, BDSM, Boy/Girl Sexual Activity
💜 “Intense Sex Club Dungeon Impact Scene in Fishnets” (22 min) by Lucy LaRue + Wildfire-81:
An older man dominates a silly little slut in the dungeon of a sex club using a flogger, metal fish paddle, strap, belt, and the palm of his hand.
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/intense-sex-club-dungeon-impact-scene-in-fishnets-1
#AltText #NSFW #BDSM #Porn #Spanking #kink #AgeGap #impact -
CW: NSFW, BDSM, Boy/Girl Sexual Activity
💜 “Intense Sex Club Dungeon Impact Scene in Fishnets” (22 min) by Lucy LaRue + Wildfire-81:
An older man dominates a silly little slut in the dungeon of a sex club using a flogger, metal fish paddle, strap, belt, and the palm of his hand.
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/intense-sex-club-dungeon-impact-scene-in-fishnets-1
#AltText #NSFW #BDSM #Porn #Spanking #kink #AgeGap #impact -
Hyde and Seek (Hyde Series)
"An age-gap romance with a jealous, possessive alpha & a sinfully sweet baker"
Sale: $5.99 to FREE
by Layla Frost
Rating: 4.4/5 (8,513 Reviews)
#romance #books #kindle #kindlebooks #newadult #college #agegap #alpha #baker #mechanic #humor #suspense #spicy #booksky
Hyde and Seek (Hyde Series) -
Hyde and Seek (Hyde Series)
"An age-gap romance with a jealous, possessive alpha & a sinfully sweet baker"
Sale: $5.99 to FREE
by Layla Frost
Rating: 4.4/5 (8,513 Reviews)
#romance #books #kindle #kindlebooks #newadult #college #agegap #alpha #baker #mechanic #humor #suspense #spicy #booksky
Hyde and Seek (Hyde Series) -
When your peluche comes alive..
Sorry I've been out for a bit guys! Working on artfight, hanging out with my fam, and kinda lost some energy to draw. Hopefully I can get back into it with this new pair :3
Angelo is an 11 year old boy who's wish is granted to be protected by his favorite stuffed animal, Diablo. Diablo needs to learn the proper way to do that though.
#AngelosPeluche #ocs #original #plushie #TTTOCs #art #proship #underage #agegap
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CW: age gap (ellery is 18, callisto is 271), nonconsensual hugging from behind, monsterfucking, ftm bottom, undead/human
🎉 https://ultratransgothicapress.art/little-death-pre-order-begins-june-29th/
The Little Death Print Run Pre-Order Begins June 29th!Get ready to grab your copies!
You can also sign up for the newsletter on my site and get notified when it goes live!#comics #horrorcomic #sizedifference #agegap #Monsterfucking
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CW: NSFW, Impact Play
Curiosity overtaking her, Lucy sneaks past a closed door and peeks where she isn’t supposed to go- rooting through a hidden bag of bdsm and impact toys which upon her discovery leads to a swift and rough spanking punishment that leaves her regretful booty red and sore.
“Snoop Spanked” (6 minutes) by Lucy LaRue + Wildfire81
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/snoop-spanked
#spanking #BDSM #AgeGap #taboo #RolePlay #porn #AltText -
CW: NSFW, Impact Play
Curiosity overtaking her, Lucy sneaks past a closed door and peeks where she isn’t supposed to go- rooting through a hidden bag of bdsm and impact toys which upon her discovery leads to a swift and rough spanking punishment that leaves her regretful booty red and sore.
“Snoop Spanked” (6 minutes) by Lucy LaRue + Wildfire81
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/snoop-spanked
#spanking #BDSM #AgeGap #taboo #RolePlay #porn #AltText -
DATING AGE BIASES PERSIST, APP DATA SUGGESTS
New data from dating apps shows men still prefer younger partners, despite saying they're open to older women. This affects dating choices.
#DatingBias, #OlderWomen, #DatingApps, #AgeGap, #Matchcom
https://newsletter.tf/dating-app-age-bias-older-women-men-preferences/
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Dating app data shows a clear age bias against older women. Men's searches often focus on younger partners, not those older than them.
#DatingBias, #OlderWomen, #DatingApps, #AgeGap, #Matchcom
https://newsletter.tf/dating-app-age-bias-older-women-men-preferences/ -
CW: NSFW, Impact Play
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🙀 Secret #Spamano Tapes REVEALED?? Who leaked this and where can I find the full...
#BeebzEditz #Sillyposting #Hetalia #HetaliaEdit #shota #agegap #HetaliaChibiRomano #HetaliaSpain
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Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey) "Nothing feels right anymore without you" Sale: $4.99 to $0.99 by Rebecca Jenshak Rating: 4.5/5 (6,639 Reviews) #hockey #romance #agegap #grumpy #sunshine #booksky #sportsromance #foundfamily #books
Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey) -
CW: NSFW, BDSM, Bondage
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CW: NSFW, Boy/Girl Sexual Activity
Let's make out on camera
~ Lucy LaRue ft @houndstoothhank in "Age Gap Pigtail Kissing" (6 minutes) https://apclips.com/lacebaby/age-gap-pigtail-kissing
#AltText #nsfw #porn #AgeGap #kissing -
CW: Feet
“Barefoot Female Masseuse Lotions Male Soles in Nitrile Gloves”
(11 minutes) A gloved foot massage where both the older male getting his feet rubbed and the young woman rubbing his feet are barefoot. By Lucy LaRue ft @houndstoothhank
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/barefoot-female-masseuse-lotions-male-soles-in-nitrile-gloves
#AltText #feet #massage #barefoot #soles #gloves #NitrileGloves #FootMassage #AgeGap -
Have you ever used nippers on your toe nails?
~ Lucy LaRue ft @houndstoothhank in "Nippers Age Gap Candid Toenail Trim" (5 minutes)
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/nippers-age-gap-candid-toenail-trim
#gif #feet #AgeGap #toes #AltText -
CW: NSFW, Boy/Girl Sexual Activity
Making exactly the kind of porn I get off to!
~ Lucy LaRue ft @houndstoothhank in "Petticoat Pussy Eating" (16 minutes)
https://apclips.com/lacebaby/petticoat-pussy-eating
#AltText #porn #bush #HairyPussy #hairy #sensual #nsfw #AgeGap #panties #pussy -
CW: Incest [Dadson], Non-Con, Implied Impregnation, Depicted Abortion
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Forever Us: A Billionaire Age Gap Romance "I built a fortress around my broken heart until the relentless billionaire comes crashing into my life like a force of nature" Sale: $5.99 to FREE by Scarlett Avery Rating: 4.5/5 (1,300 Reviews) #Romance #Billionaire #AgeGap #Contemporary #BookSky
Forever Us: An Obsessed Billio... -
CW: Daughter/Mother yuri, OCs, SFW
Trying to design a manic workaholic service top girl (Calliope) who is in love with her failing artist mother (Vasti, pictured in the bottom left and right.).
Calliope's self-worth is wrapped up in the labor she can do for others. Although her story follows her going after something she personally desires (her mother's love), it is still wrapped up in her need to service others and perform acts of labor in exchange for potential acceptance or validation.
This is not immediately apparent as Calliope seems almost super-humanly capable in her tasks and is overtly energetic, friendly and positive on the surface. After Calliope essentially brute forces her way into her mother's life, Vasti gets to see the parts of her that are usually masked slip through as she learns who her daughter is as a person.
Meanwhile, Vasti has to come to grips with abandoning Calliope as a child to pursue her art career, and at first believes her daughter's pursuit of her is a twisted act of vengeance.
There's so much more but I've had these two for a while now and I finally got to jot down some presentable concepts for them... they are still fairly recent in terms of OCs I've had. No working title yet, but I'm going to have a lot of fun with them because while it's a silly/outrageous plot on the surface, it actually speaks to something painfully personal for me and I hope the humor and sincerity can go hand-in-hand.
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FROM THE DESK OF MARGARET TYDING (1956)
NSFW
#nsfw #film #cinema #hollywood #erotic #aiart #aiphotography #cinemastodon #movies #nsfwart #classicfilm #filmastodon #agegap #femalenudity #lesbian #nudity #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography
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SILK, SATIN, COTTON, AND RAGS (1952)
NSFW
#nsfw #film #cinema #hollywood #erotic #aiart #aiphotography #cinemastodon #movies #nsfwart #classicfilm #filmastodon #agegap #femalenudity #lesbian #nudity #hairypussy #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography
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CW: NSFW, Boy/Girl Sexual Activity, BDSM
