Gen Z Dating The Situation & The Statistics: ● A survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life found that only 56 percent of Gen Z adults—and 54 percent of Gen Z men—said they were involved in a romantic relationship at any point during their teenage years. This represents a remarkable change from previous generations, where teenage dating was much more common. More than three-quarters of Baby Boomers (78 percent) and Generation Xers (76 percent) report having had a boyfriend or girlfriend as teenagers. ○ Source ● 75% of Gen Z are single. (Source) ● 74% of millennials and Gen Zers use dating apps.(Source) ● 90% of Gen Z say they are frustrated with dating apps.(Source) ● 30% of millennials and Gen Z say that their financial situation is holding them back from dating.(Source) ● 71% say it’s a deal-breaker if a potential match has different political views than them. (Refinery29) ● Gen Zers are having less casual sex than before. While 38% of young adults had casual sex in 2007, this number dropped to 24% in 2017. (Socius) ● 23%would use an AI chatbot assistant (Match) ● Nearly half (45%) of Gen Z singles feel their mental health is poor or fair. (Match) ● 34%of Gen Z singles never drink.(Match) ● 1 in 5Gen Z singles have questioned their gender identity (compared to just 9% of singles overall). (Match) ● 43%of Gen Z daters have started a relationship with someone they met on an online or digital platform, like video games, online forums, or on social media.(Match) ● 18%of Gen Z singles said that overuse of tech devices had a negative impact on their previous relationship. (Match) Causes: 1. Technology’s role in Gen Z dating a. Dating Apps: The rise and repercussions of apps b. Online vs. Offline Persona: How do online personas compare to real-life personalities, and what challenges does this present in dating? 2. Attitudes towards relationships a. Casual vs. Serious Dating: How does Gen Z view casual dating versus more serious relationships? It feels like there is a shift towards more casual, less-defined relationships. b. Political and Social Beliefs: How do political and social beliefs influence dating decisions? Are shared values more critical now? c. Mental Health: Explore the mental health challenges associated with modern dating scenarios, like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and the paradox of choice due to apps. Solutions: 1. Enhancing Communication Skills ● Solution: Promote open and honest communication as a foundational skill in dating and relationships. ● Example: Discuss techniques such as active listening and assertive communication. Encourage practicing empathy by trying to understand the partner's perspective before responding. 2. Education on Digital Etiquette & Authenticity ● Solution: Educate listeners on digital etiquette, particularly in how they present themselves online and communicate on dating platforms. ● Example: Offer guidelines on how to maintain respect and courtesy online, addressing behaviors like ghosting and breadcrumbing. Highlight the importance of transparency and honesty in online interactions. 3. Using Technology Wisely ● Solution: Discuss ways to use dating apps and social media platforms responsibly to foster meaningful connections. ● Example: Recommend setting clear intentions on dating profiles and being selective about matches based on more than just physical appearance. Highlight apps like Hinge, which focuses on deeper connections and prompts users to engage more thoughtfully. 4. Prioritizing Mental Health ● Solution: Encourage prioritization of mental health when dating, recognizing when dating pressures are affecting personal well-being. ● Example: Suggest maintaining a balance between dating life and other life areas, such as friendships, hobbies, and personal growth. Introduce mental health resources, such as mindfulness techniques, specifically geared towards young adults.