While last year’s online data leak from infidelity website Ashley Madison was nightmare for millions of its members, the information has proven invaluable to researchers.
Scientists at the University of Toledo in Ohio analysed data released online by hackers and found some shared characteristics of the men who had used the matchmaking site.
The research revealed these were some of common character traits of those who cheat:
Financially secure
A common factor among Ashley Madison users was their wealth. The researchers found those using the website were more financially well off, and were willing to pay to minimise the social risk of infidelity.
Youth on their side
The data supported past research which found older married couples were less likely to cheat because they have managed to keep their marriages on track or have remarried those better suited.
But the research showed younger people were more likely to use the dating site because of factors such as being more comfortable online.
The study states: “… younger people’s greater involvement in Ashley Madison may be amplified by their higher level of computer literacy, savvy and comfort with online dating.”
And definitely not retired
The research explained this was because there are generally more women within retirement communities, who are both divorced and widowed, than there are men. The conclusion was that men looking for a partner within those communities would have less difficulty given the great availability of potential partners.
Anonymity
The data also showed a link between spending on subscriptions and the protection of anonymity. Larger cities provided more freedom in terms of being able to come and go without arousing too much suspicion whereas those living in smaller towns faced the possibility of prying neighbours.
Religion and cheating don’t go together
Research findings also supported the theory those among us who chose religion are less likely to stray.
