Intrafamilial Externalities and Mate Selection; Evidence from an Internet Dating Service

Abstract:     
Mate-seekers avoid mates who may impose significant externalities on themselves and/or future children. Using data from an internet dating service, we find that male daters who report wanting children are 61% to 97% less likely to accept a smoking partner. Female daters who report wanting children are 15% to 79% less likely to accept a smoking partner. Female daters who have children living with them are 30%-99% less likely to accept a smoking partner. Male daters who want children avoid smoking partners apparently to avoid personal externalities, while female daters avoid smoking partners apparently out of concern for current and future children.

Keywords: Externalities, mating, smoking, family, internet

JEL Classifications: I12, J12, I18, J13

Working Paper Series