For Love or Money: Does Online Dating Really Work? [INFOGRAPHIC]

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But does online dating really work for the lovelorn? Or does it just help companies rake in heaps of cash?

Some 17% of married couples say they met online, compared to 27% who say they met through a mutual friend and 38% who say they met at work or school. People who meet on dating sites are also quicker to tie the knot than those who meet in the real world -- dating for an average of just over 18 months before getting hitched, compared to 42 months for those who meet offline.

But be skeptical when browsing potential love interests; 81% of people online lie about their height, weight or age on dating profiles. Women typically trim about 8 pounds from their weight, while men typically add half an inch to their height.

The infographic below paints a fuller picture of just what the online dating landscape looks like and who its big winners are. MBAPrograms.org pulled research and reporting from a variety of sources to put the pieces together. Check it out and see if it matches your own experiences and assumptions.

Do you think online dating really works? Let us know in the comments.