In recent years, studies have shown that young people are dating and having sex less. Research by the General Social Survey in 2018 found that 51% of Americans aged between 18 and 34 had no steady partner, a figure up from 35% in 1986. This is likely due to changes in the dating world since our parents were our age.
The plethora of dating apps available, such as Hinge and Tinder, creates the illusion that dating is becoming easier for young people. However, the opposite is happening. Kate Julian, the author of “The Sex Recession”, found it took more than sixty swipes to find a match on Tinder and that a match would scarcely often lead to a date. Furthermore, while sociologist Dr Jean Gunsaullus credits dating apps with making it easier to find a match, she also argues they make keeping a match less likely by removing the “hard work” involved in forming relationships. Societal changes have also altered the way we date. The median age of marriage is increasing as many people say they haven’t found the right person. Women have become more encouraged to pursue a career, making them more financially independent. This has meant more people have found satisfaction by staying single and focussing on their careers. This is evident in a study by Tinder, which found 71% of 1000 singletons aged between 18-25 were making “a conscious decision” to stay single.
Anxiety around contemporary issues such as climate change, the Russo-Ukrainian war and economic conditions have also caused young people to feel anxious about their future, with some believing there are more important things to worry about than their dating lives. The COVID-19 pandemic likely worsened this, with people feeling isolated because of successive lockdowns.
Nevertheless, contemporary issues may make it more likely young people will find love in 2023. For example, having a shared interest in topics such as politics or the fight against climate change may lead to young people utilising their passion for these subjects by attending events, conversing with like-minded people and resulting in the formation of new relationships. Furthermore, the world has reopened since the end of the pandemic meaning young people can experience previously banned activities such as clubbing and international travel. This will allow us to surround ourselves once again with people who have similar interests and shared experiences, meaning it can be easier to find love in 2023.
Overall, there are new and existing challenges for young people in finding love in 2023. However, we can overcome them by embracing new opportunities and doing things which we enjoy. At the same time though, there is nothing wrong with living your best single life!