Match Group Research: Gen Z Singles Want Quality, Not Quantity

Match Group has released new research offering a closer look at how Generation Z approaches dating, challenging the idea that younger people are losing interest in relationships. Instead, the company’s findings suggest Gen Z remains optimistic about finding meaningful connections but has different expectations about how dating should work.

According to the research, 80% of Gen Z respondents believe they will find true love, compared with 56% of singles overall. At the same time, 62% say they are more comfortable flirting online than in person, highlighting how digital communication continues to shape modern relationships.

The findings were discussed during Match Group’s inaugural CEO Connection Series, where CEO Spencer Rascoff joined executives from Tinder and the company’s consumer research team to examine evolving dating behaviours. Rascoff said stronger consumer research has become a greater focus for Match Group after recognising that customer insights had not always been fully integrated into product development.

The company identified four themes shaping Gen Z’s approach to dating: agency, authenticity, momentum and trust.

Rather than placing romantic relationships above everything else, many young adults are balancing dating alongside friendships, careers and personal development. Around 44% said they would rather spend time with friends than actively pursue a relationship, while only about one in four adults under 30 listed finding a relationship as their primary goal for the coming year.

Authenticity also emerged as a major priority. The research found 81% of Gen Z prefer to get to know someone slowly, while concerns about social judgement and online pressure continue to influence dating behaviour. Trust was another recurring theme, with nearly one-third of singles aged 18 to 29 expressing concerns about sharing personal information on dating apps.