Tinder says Gen Z still believes in true love-they just want a soft launch first (exclusive)

"Some 80% of Gen Z singles said they believe they'll find true love, and 74% said they believe they'll get married, compared to 57% and 43% of all singles, respectively. That might surprise some at a time when young people are reportedly having less sex, going out less, and facing more rejection -romantic or otherwise-than ever before."

"Rather than signaling a romance recession for Gen Z, these trends point to an inflection point in dating culture. Traditional relationship milestones are becoming outdated. Young adults are slowing down their pursuit of finding "the one," owning a home, and having kids."

"Previous generations often moved through commitment in a few headline steps: Define the relationship, meet the family, move in, get engaged. Gen Z still wants the ceremonies eventually, but they're building 'proof' along the way through everyday behaviors, and a lot of those behaviors show up first online."

A Tinder and Harris Poll survey of 2,500 single U.S. adults reveals that 80% of Gen Z singles believe they will find true love and 74% expect to marry, significantly exceeding rates among all singles at 57% and 43% respectively. Despite reports of reduced sexual activity, less socializing, and increased rejection, Gen Z's optimism reflects a fundamental shift in dating culture rather than romantic decline. Young adults are deliberately slowing their pursuit of traditional relationship milestones like cohabitation and marriage. Instead of following the conventional progression of defining relationships, meeting families, moving in, and getting engaged, Gen Z builds commitment through smaller daily interactions and online behaviors that establish relationship proof incrementally.

Read at Fast Company