Online dating has just been revealed to be one of the most common ways to start a relationship. But new research reveals that the concept is still highly flawed.

An analysis of 400 studies into online dating shows that while it offers access to plenty of other singles, users can be overwhelmed and put off by the volume of choice, defeating the purpose.

The research, by Northwestern University and published in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest, found that the processes involved don't lend themselves to forming strong relationships.

The findings also indicated that the concept of an online profile is not entirely useful and 'can result in the objectification of potential partners'.

Lead author Eli J Finkel explained: 'Online dating is a terrific addition for singles to meet. That said, there are two problems.'

First, poring over seemingly endless lists of profiles of people one does not know, as on Match.com, does not reveal much about them.

Second, it 'overloads people and they end up shutting down,' he said.

He compared it to shopping at 'supermarkets of love' and said psychological research shows people presented with too many choices tend to make lazy and often poor decisions.

The study's authors also questioned the algorithms employed by sites such as eHarmony.com to match people based on their interests or personality - comparing it to having a real estate agent of love.

While the algorithm may reduce the number of potential partners from thousands to a few, they may be as incompatible as two people meeting at random, Dr Finkel explained, adding the odds are no better than finding a relationship by strolling into any bar.

'There's no better way to figure out whether you're compatible with somebody than talking to them over a cup of coffee or a pint of beer,' Dr Finkel said.

(Read by Lee Hannon. Lee Hannon is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)

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(Agencies)