Majority of US Adults Prefer In-Person Dates and Trust Less Easily

A recent Marquette Law School Poll, conducted between June 9 and 15, found that 27% of respondents go on dates at least once a month, while 24% go on dates a few times a year. Forty-nine percent reported not dating at all. Among single adults, people in their 30s reported dating more frequently than those in their 20s. Most singles over 40 said they do not go on dates.

The poll also examined dating app usage. Fifteen percent of single adults use dating apps at least once a month, and 13% use them a few times a year. Seventy percent of single adults do not use dating apps at all. Notably, respondents reported going on dates more frequently than using dating apps.

The survey of more than 1,500 adults nationwide also highlighted broader trends in social trust. Only 35% of adults born in the 2000s believe most people can be trusted, compared to 77% of those born before 1960. This decline in general trust appears to influence social behaviors. The poll noted that higher levels of trust correlate with more frequent interactions with strangers. Work remains the primary source of face-to-face interactions for many, while more than half of adults reported spending social evenings with friends at least monthly.

Regarding technology, 41% of respondents said they turn to their phones all or most of the time when they are around others, rather than engaging in conversation. Another 40% do this sometimes. Despite this, nearly 60% of adults start conversations with strangers at least once a month, and 80% say “hello” to strangers in passing.