INSIDER – More and more young Americans, particularly women, are finding romantic partners within their friend groups, challenging the traditional method of finding love with strangers. A survey by the Survey Center on American Life of people in a committed relationship found that 43% of people aged 18-29 were in a relationship with someone who was first a friend, and 50% of women in that age group were dating friends. This is double the older group. Only 21% of people over 65 who were in a committed relationship started relationships with friends. The shift towards friend-to-partner relationships challenges online dating culture and suggests young people are seeking a more meaningful connection without the anxiety that comes with meeting strangers. Many young people find online dating "too transactional" and "shallow."
Mark Brooks: Does this mean social dating is the future? Most dating apps are focused on introducing strangers. Looks like there is a trend toward people seeking love from within their network of friends.
