Offline and Online Mate Selection Preferences for Indonesians: An Initial Study

Abstract

Mate selection preference is a selective process of person evaluation, aimed to find a partner who is considered potential for the individual. Partner searching is not only done in person, but also virtually. This initial study provides an empirical description of offline and online mate selection preferences for Indonesians with age 18 years old and above, which is inspired by Buss and Barnes’ instrument of mate selection preference. This study was qualitative with a thematic analysis method. Four focus group discussions were conducted, with 47 participants, both males and females, in total. This study found 33 themes for both offline and online mate selection preferences, including: attractive physical appearance, sufficient income, the same religion, educational level consideration, family blessing, ethnicity consideration, socio-economic status consideration, good behaviour consideration, hardworking quality, accepting as the person is, physical health, age consideration, friendly character, wanting children, family background consideration, considerate individual, fertility, and responsibility. The 33 identified themes in this initial study reflects the offline and online mate selection preferences for Indonesians. It suggests more considerations in selecting partners, compared to Buss and Barnes’ study which informs only 13 preferences.