eHarmony Study Finds Gen Z and Millennials Navigate Dating Differently

Image: eHarmony

Gen Z daters are used to meeting people via dating apps and social media platforms, but many are turned off by influencers and certain online behaviors, according to the latest study from eHarmony.

The online dating company surveyed 2,000 adults across the U.S. and found that growing up in the online era of smartphones and social media had an impact on the dating attitudes of Gen Z. The study also showed how their attitudes towards dating and relationships differed from Millennials.

For example, 57 percent of Gen Z respondents said they’ve met at least half of their romantic partners via dating apps or social media. The study (local copy) also found that turn-offs for Gen Z daters were often social-media-related. Forty-two percent were turned off by bad taste in memes, 32 percent said regular use of GIFs turned them off, 38 percent said influencers, and 31 percent said not having an active social media presence at all.

Thirty percent of Gen Z respondents were also turned off by people who slid into their DMs before meeting up in real life.

In fact, 25 percent of single Gen Z respondents said they wait months before sharing details about a relationship on social media, and 21 percent wait until they are exclusive before posting. Thirteen percent said they never share about their private life on social media.

Despite growing up with social media, Gen Z also trust it less than Millennials. According to the survey, 23 percent of Millennials trust social media over friends, family, and therapists compared to only 11 percent of Gen Z daters.

Millennials also prioritize sex over Gen Z respondents. Ninety-one percent of Millennials have sex at least once a week, compared to only 78 percent of Gen Z daters. But Gen Z daters are more open to exploring their sexual desires and want to “keep things fresh” in the bedroom. Forty-six percent said they’ve used more than six sex positions this year, compared to 40 percent of Millennials.

Gen Z is also less concerned with safety. When having sex with a new partner, 26 percent of Gen Z respondents said they don’t use protection, compared to only 16 percent of Millennials. Forty-five percent are also comfortable dating more than one person at a time. However, STIs and STDs are still stigmatized among all generations of daters. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they wouldn’t date someone with a sexually transmitted disease or infection.

All generations surveyed have changed attitudes towards sex when dating, including the “three date rule,” with 65 percent agreeing that they have no issue with dating someone seriously after having sex on the first date.

The Dating Diaries: Social Media, Labels and Gen Z 2023 report was commissioned by eharmony and conducted by Harris Interactive.