Chispa Releases Second Study on Latine in College

Chispa, the Match Group dating app for Latin singles, has released its second annual ‘Latine in College’ research study. The study is based on the responses of 1,000 Hispanic Gen Z college students and looks at their behaviours, attitudes, and cultural influences.

Key findings from the study are:

A new sexual awakening

While the subject of sex is still taboo in many traditional Latin households, Latine college students are becoming more open about the topic. 74% of college students have not had to suppress their sexual desires as a result of cultural expectations.

Furthermore 56% reported sexting with a partner, while around 30% expressed interest in ‘role play’, exploring kinks, and wanting a threesome, respectively.

The most common sexual behaviours respondents experienced are sexting (56%), sharing photos (49%),using sex toys (29%), faking orgasms (28%), and recording each other in the bedroom (27%).

Mental health & relationships

The study uncovered that mental health issues were a factor in the success of their relationships and sex lives. 64% of Latine college students shared that mental health impacts the joy of relationships, while 48% said that these issues also affect their ability to enjoy sex.

However, 48% agreed that sexual activity can actually help to improve their mental health.

Technology

73% of Latine college students have yet to try AI chatbots within their dating life, however 46% believe that the technology can help to suggest date ideas.

Nearly 80% of respondents believe that VR can transport users to fun environments, while 31% say that AI can be used to help them fulfil their sexual fantasies without judgement.  

The rise of Spanglish

Latine college students reported using Spanglish more than just Spanish or English. 

73% of Latine college students use Spanglish in their social life, while 67% use Spanglish at home, and 61% use Spanglish at work.

Conclusion

The study also looked at Latine college students’ perspectives on elections and the Second Amendment. You can find the full study here. 

The study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jake Beniflah, the Executive Director of The Center for Multicultural Science. “This partnership with Chispa has allowed us to shed light on an under-studied yet highly influential demographic: Latine Gen Z college students”, he said. 

“Their perspectives on technology, culture, and social issues provide fascinating insights into the intersection of love, relationships, and dating. Our findings reveal that this group is not only actively shaping the future of dating but also influencing broader societal norms”, Dr Beniflah continued.

“Chispa is committed to elevating Latin singles across the U.S., and it is vital to understand the rapidly changing dynamics within the Latine Gen Z demographic,” said Julia Estacolchic, Sr. Director, Brand Marketing for Chispa.

“They represent not just a significant portion of our user base, but they also hold a transformative power in shaping the future. I am excited about this year’s Latine in College study which underscores the role of emerging technologies like AI and VR in online dating, the influence of social and political issues, and the evolving sexual dynamics in the lives of Latine Gen Z college students. We hope this fosters a deeper understanding of this group and drives more dialogue”, Estacolchic added.

Chispa is the largest dating app made for US Latinos, with 8 million downloads. To find out more about the Match Affinity dating app, you can listen to the GDI podcast where we spoke with Julia Estacolchic.