A recent study indicates that Gen Z prefers long-term relationships and traditional romance over casual flings and dating.
Despite evolving attitudes toward public displays of affection (PDA) and monogamy, a report by the Kinsey Institute at the University of Indiana, in collaboration with the dating app Feeld, reveals that Gen Z is more inclined towards long-term monogamous relationships than previously assumed.
The study, which surveyed 3,310 app users from various countries, sexual orientations, and age groups, found that 81 percent of individuals born between 1997 and 2012 aspire to be in a monogamous relationship, with 44 percent frequently contemplating it.
In contrast, older generations show that approximately 70 percent appreciate one-on-one commitment, with 25 percent often considering it.
The report, titled ‘The State of Dating: How Gen Z is Redefining Sexuality and Relationships,’ revealed an ‘unexpected affinity for monogamy’ among younger people, as concluded by the researchers after data analysis.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller, the study’s author, commented on the findings: “It is well documented that Gen Z is having less sex, fewer partners, and fewer relationships than generations that came before.”
“At the same time, a current trend is the romanticization of traditional relationships and roles,” he added.
“There is a certain appeal to ‘how things used to be’ in the sense that they just seemed simpler.
“As dating has moved into the digital world, it has only become more complex,” he continued. “It is possible that older adults have simply had more practice with monogamy, and found that it is not for them or have a craving for sexual newness.”
Given the modern hookup culture and terms like ‘situation-ships’ or ‘we’re still in the talking phase,’ it is understandable why Gen Z might prefer traditional forms of intimacy.
According to Cosmopolitan, there is also a resurgence in embracing PDA, such as love letters or ‘simping,’ with many young adults no longer viewing it as embarrassing.
One woman named Maya shared with the magazine: “I’ve found myself embracing PDA more and more with my boyfriend.”
“I think doing romantic and ‘cringey’ things that you wouldn’t do with anyone else adds a special element to the relationship that separates it from the other relationships in your life.”
While the report’s findings are surprising, given Gen Z’s reputation for being a ‘wilder’ generation, as a member of Gen Z myself, they do resonate with the broader sociocultural context we navigate.
Who would have thought?