Most single men and women between the ages of 18 and 34 (53% and 68%, respectively) say they want a romantic relationship, according to a 2024 study commissioned by dating platform Tinder, which surveyed 8,000 heterosexual participants in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada.
However, nearly all respondents—91% of men and 94% of women—believe the current dating environment is more difficult than ever.
Experts aren't surprised by such numbers. "The general state of the world is sensed as less predictable and less secure [than in the past]," says Kathryn Ford, M.D., a psychiatrist and couples therapist based in San Francisco and author of The Aperture Effect: A Radically Simple Approach to Finding Joy and Connection in Your Relationship.
She says that, for some people, this lack of predictability and security leads to an increased desire to find a partner, while for others, it creates a hesitancy to make decisions and commitments.
But many remain hopeful. According to this year's data from online dating platform Match's Singles in America survey of 5,000 single people, completed in partnership with researchers from The Kinsey Institute:
- 73% of singles surveyed say they believe romantic love can last forever;
- 69% of participants report they believe in destiny;
- 63% of men say they’re romantic, as do 58% of women;
- 51% of those surveyed think there is one perfect match out there for them.
But Match's survey discovered some distinct generational patterns.
Gen Z (defined by the researchers as people born between 1998 and 2007) is considered the most sexually conservative generation, with 29% saying sex should happen after a committed relationship. Additionally:
- 69% of Gen Z respondents say they’re not ready for a relationship (even though many want one);
- People in this generation are most likely to be intentionally celibate;
- Only 49% of Gen Z participants say they want children at some point, which is lower than in past generations at the same age.
Among Millennials (people born between 1982 and 1997):
- Most people—64%—want a committed relationship, although 39% are open to casual dating;
- 52% of people in this generation feel behind in their life goals, especially concerning marriage and children;
- This is the most sexually active generation, with more than half of people saying they have sex at least once a month;
- This generation also uses dating apps the most.
