What the Indian dating scene looks like ahead of 2024, according to a new survey
Take a look at 5 dating trends of this year. Photo: dailyO
Believe it or not, 2023 is about to end; this year has been crazy in all sorts of ways, especially in the dating scene for Indians. From dating fatigue to pig butchering scams, we've seen it all. But how have Indians been dating in the last year, and what will the dating scene look like in the next year? A new survey has a few takeaways.
New research
Bumble, one of the dating sites in India, shared their findings, which show that more than half (59%) of the Indian women surveyed are going into the new year with a clear view of what they want from their romantic lives.
So, here's a quick look at 5 major dating trends:
1. Val-Core dating
Singles today are looking for shared priorities and expect their partners to not only care about social causes but to actively engage. Val-Core refers to the rise of people valuing engagement on issues that matter to them.
- For 1 in 4 (25%) people on Bumble, it is key that their partner actively engages with politics and social causes; in fact, it makes them more attractive.
- 41% of Indians say their potential partner engaging in politics and voting is important to them.
- When it comes to dating, Bumble’s research shows that women are less open to someone with differing political views as for 1 in 3 (33%) women globally it is a turn-off if someone they are dating is not aware of current societal issues.
- Indians also want their partners to engage with human rights issues (64%).
2. 'Do not change me'
From biohacking (a term used to describe various tips and tricks for enhancing the body's ability to function at peak performance) and starting your day at 5 am, to plugging into self-help podcasts, there has been a rise in people ‘self-optimising’ - striving to become a perfect version of themselves.
- Looking ahead to 2024, singles are rebelling against the constant self-improvement, with more than 2 in 3 women surveyed (68%) globally taking active steps to be happier with who they are here and now.
- 56% of Indian women will now only date people who will not try to change them.
3. Emotional intimacy
For people today, and particularly women, it seems attraction comes down to one key thing: emotional intimacy.
- Singles are focused on finding security, safety, and understanding, with more than a third (35%) of people surveyed on Bumble in India believing that emotional intimacy is now more important than physical.
When it comes to dating, 3 in 4 women (78%) say it’s key that their partner has an understanding of both emotional and physical intimacy.
In 2024, it’s time to get in your feels.
4. Open-hearted masculinity
The year has been filled with global conversations about masculinity and gender roles in fashion, media, music, and film (Ken-ergy, anyone?).
- When it comes to relationships, 1 in 4 (25%) men globally state that they have actively changed their behaviour, becoming more vulnerable and open with people they are dating than ever before.
- So, this means men are getting more emotionally mature? Data says so, not our personal experience.
5. Shared sports
It looks like everyone is looking for their Virat Kohli or Anushka Sharma, with the cricket fever coming in.
- For 35% of single Indians, a shared love of sports has now become a ‘must have’ regardless of whether you’re a player or simply a spectator.
This obsession is seen more in Gen Z (33%) than in millennials (26%).
What was your dating scene like this year?