Mumbai: The world is changing rapidly, and with it, the dating patterns of the younger generation. According to a BBC report, 75 per cent of Gen Zs are single, following in the footsteps of older Millennials. A Tinder study supports this, showing that many are making a conscious decision to remain single for longer.
Currently, only 44 per cent of Millennials are married, compared to 53 per cent of Gen X at the same age, as per Pew Research. For Boomers and the Silent Generation, those numbers were 61 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively.
This trend shows a significant shift. Younger Millennials and Gen Zs are opting to stay single longer, marrying much later than previous generations. Why?
Financial Pressures and Career Priorities
The world inherited by Millennials and Gen Zs is vastly different from that of their predecessors. Millennials entered adulthood during the unstable economy of the Great Recession of 2008, leading to larger debt burdens, lower homeownership rates, and uncertain job prospects.
A recent Chicago Press Journals study comparing life trajectories and wealth accumulation between Boomers and Millennials found that while the top 10 per cent of Millennials are accumulating more wealth, the majority struggle with student loans, low-wage earnings, and home affordability.
Similarly, Gen Z is facing comparable financial hurdles. Many Gen Zs and Millennials prioritise their careers over starting a family. A Match survey found that 30 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z want to settle down before seeking a partner.
Career-Centric Lives
Unlike previous generations, Millennials and Gen Zs spend significantly more time working. Their jobs demand longer hours, leaving little time for social activities where they might meet potential partners. This shift is evident in the growing reliance on dating apps.
Around 83 per cent of Millennials use dating platforms for over two hours daily, and 50 per cent of Tinder users are Gen Z. However, the experience isn’t always fulfilling—90 per cent of Gen Zs report frustration with dating apps.
When Gen Z does go on dates, they approach it pragmatically. The majority prefer splitting the cost, with many budgeting just USD 100 for the first date. Only 1 in 3 Gen Zs are willing to spend more than USD 250.
Financial Instability and Its Impact on Dating
The financial conditions of the world have deeply affected the dating habits of Millennials and Gen Zs. In contrast to their parents, who lived in a more secure financial environment, today’s young adults face a rising cost of living and housing. This leaves many focusing on financial independence rather than romantic relationships.
Technological advancements also add pressure, with the threat of job automation looming. This economic uncertainty forces Millennials and Gen Zs to prioritise career performance, leaving less time for starting families.
The dating landscape for Gen Z and Millennials is influenced by financial pressures, career demands, and an evolving technological environment. As the world continues to change, so too will the way younger generations approach relationships, preferring to stay single longer, delaying marriage, and focusing on financial stability.
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