THE ATLANTIC – In the past, people often turned to love during hard times, like during the Great Depression or after the 2008 financial crash. But today, many are avoiding dating due to financial stress. A 2022 survey by Dating.com found that nearly half of singles skipped dates to save money. A 2024 LendingTree poll showed that 65% said inflation affected their dating life. Experts like sociologist Pepper Schwartz and psychologist Johanna Peetz explain that many now see relationships as something to start after becoming financially stable, not as a way to build a life together.
Category: All Internet Dating Statistics
Study Finds Reform UK Voters More Dateable Than Tories Among Under-40s
METRO.CO.UK – A study by the University of Southampton and Harvard found that UK dating app users aged 18–40 are more open to dating Reform UK supporters than Conservatives, especially among younger, left-leaning users. While Labour, Green, and Lib Dem voters get more matches overall, Conservative support is now seen as more of a red flag. Experts say political alignment matters more in long-term relationships, but dating across party lines can sometimes shift views over time.
Romance Scams in the UK up 20%
INFOSECURITY MAG – Romance scams in the UK rose 20% in Q1 2025, driven by the growing use of dating apps, according to Barclays. Average victim losses hit £8K, rising to £19K for those aged 61+. Men made up 60% of the victims. 12% of UK adults have been targeted or know someone who has. 76% of consumers want tech companies to do more to stop scams. Experts urge stronger identity checks and better fraud detection by both platforms and banks.
Parship Study: Sustainability Becoming a Key Factor in Modern Relationships
PRESS RELEASE – A Parship study of over 1,000 Germans reveals that sustainability is a growing source of tension in relationships. While 82% of couples agree on basic eco-habits, 37% say they'd end a relationship if their partner pushed too hard for a sustainable lifestyle, rising to 46% among Gen Z. One in five couples have already argued about sustainability, and 30% wish their partner were more environmentally conscious. Younger people, especially 18–29-year-olds, are the most affected, showing both the highest expectations and the highest conflict rates around green living.
New Study Links Dating App Use to Hormonal Fluctuations Across Genders
MIRROR.CO.UK – New research by eHarmony and Imperial College of Business shows that dating apps influence hormone levels like dopamine, cortisol, and testosterone. Swiping, matching, and notifications activate the brain's reward system, creating a cycle similar to gambling. While this can lead to excitement and emotional highs, it also causes fluctuations that may affect mood, stress levels, and energy. These effects are seen across all genders, with both positive and negative hormonal shifts depending on the outcome of interactions.
Gen Z Is Starting to Turn to AI When It Comes to Dating
NEWSWEEK – A Paired app survey shows Gen Z is cautiously experimenting with AI in dating, with 15% using it to plan dates and 12% for relationship advice. Still, 72% say they've never used AI for romantic purposes, citing concerns about authenticity. Millennials show similar patterns. Despite skepticism, interest is growing, especially for tools like therapy and guided relationship support.
Dating in 2025: Shared Values Matter More Than Ever
OKCUPID BLOG – OkCupid data shows that political and social values are now key factors in dating. ~1.2M users have added an "I'm Pro-Choice" badge, with 70% of women and 42% of men refusing to date someone who isn't pro-choice. Marriage equality has near-universal support, with 96-97% of users backing it and 74% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The #MeToo movement is also a dealbreaker, with 77% of women and 51% of men requiring support for it in a partner. Gender equality is a must for 86% of women and 67% of men, while racial equality activism is important for 52% of women.
Survey: Most Dating App Users Want Age, Photos, and Location Verified
GLOBENEWSWIRE – A TransUnion report shows over 85% of dating app users want platforms to verify age, photos, and location to improve trust, as only half feel profiles match reality. Common complaints include misleading photos and fake ages, with 28% reporting catfishing and 21% targeted by scammers. Most users support background checks, with many willing to pay for them, highlighting a clear demand for stronger identity verification in online dating.
Silicon Valley’s New Matchmakers Are Betting on AI to Fix What Dating Apps Broke
TIMES OF INDIA – Less than 1% of swipes lead to dates. 17% of 1st dates on Hinge result in a second. San Francisco’s Stitched Social has an AI system which integrates real-time feedback and reinforcement learning to refine matches continuously and charges for successful matches.
by Abhinav Kejriwal
See full article at Times of India
Mark Brooks: AI will transform online dating, for sure. I’d argue that 1% of swipes turning into dates, with 17% of 1st dates leading to 2nd dates, is pretty good. I wish journalists would stop clouding the dating industry with glass half-full candor. The truth is we’re doing well but can do better, with AI tech.
AI-Driven Romance Scams Surge as Deepfakes Flood Dating Apps
GLAMOUR – According to a new study, 75% of UK dating app users have encountered deepfake profiles. Earlier this year, a French woman went viral after being duped out of £700K by scammers who led her to believe she was in a romantic relationship with Brad Pitt. The technology is so advanced that perpetrators can create entirely original images. Deepfake images are unidentifiable by reverse image search, which is normally a good technique for detecting fraudsters. It's the dating apps that need to do more of the heavy lifting. Right now, fake profiles are being created in minutes, and it's left to those affected to seek out the truth or disprove the lie. Often, even if profiles are reported, the profiles remain live, allowing those behind the accounts to continue to deceive people for whatever purpose they choose.