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The Biggest Dating Trends Happening this Cuffing Season
Data from OkCupid’s in-app matching questions predict what daters around the globe can expect this fall and winter
OkCupid matches people on what matters to them through in-app questions about dating, relationships, sex and everything that is top of mind for Gen Z and Millennial daters. So far this year, our matching questions have earned more than 250 million responses — and over 10 billion responses since OkCupid launched 20 years ago. These are the biggest trends we are seeing leading into cuffing season:
MENTAL HEALTH
Discussions around mental health are becoming more prevalent both in society and in dating, with singles prioritizing and discussing everything from self-care to therapy. On OkCupid, 99% of almost 1.5 million daters asked believe mental health is as important as physical health — and 94% of nearly 1 million singles are open to discussing mental health with their partner. Today, being open and vulnerable is a big turn-on.
RISE IN OPEN RELATIONSHIPS
Speaking of being open, this past summer there was a noticeable shift in attitudes toward open relationships. During the last few months, 34% of daters on OkCupid said they would consider an open relationship, up from 32% in 2022. Many people are now more open to exploring non-traditional relationship structures. Factors such as increased conversations around relationship dynamics and a greater emphasis on personal freedom may have contributed to this resurgence, indicating a growing acceptance of diverse relationship models.
This year, we added new matching questions to OkCupid to better serve people looking for ethical, non-monogamous relationships including:
- Would you consider an ethically non-monogamous relationship?
- What are your thoughts on ethically non-monogamous relationships?
- Have your views on ethically non-monogamous relationships changed recently?
- Do you have any friends in ethically non-monogamous relationships?
DECREASE IN KINK
This year, there has been a notable decline in interest in kink and BDSM activities. When asked, 38% of singles on OkCupid this summer said they are kinky, 6% less than we saw during summer 2021. Factors such as shifting social norms or a focus on emotional intimacy may have contributed to this trend, suggesting that individuals are prioritizing connection over adventurous exploration.
MONEY MATTERS
In the era of looking for a man in finance, financial responsibility and stability is playing a big role in dating on OkCupid. Women on OkCupid are 38% more likely to say finances stress them out — more than their job, politics, and family or friends — compared to men, and many daters are looking for singles who are fiscally smart. Daters who keep a budget of their finances get 25% more Matches and have 16% more conversations on the app than those who don’t.
POLITICAL VIEWS ARE NOT AS DIVISIVE (FOR SOME)
Despite people being passionate and vocal about their personal views, they are more open than previous years to have healthy, respectable conversations with romantic partners — and even date people who might not vote the same way. On OkCupid, 68% of respondents said it’s not a deal breaker if their date is voting for a different candidate than they are in the 2024 presidential election. But members of each political party feel differently about this. Almost 7 in 10 (68%) of liberals on OkCupid said it’s a deal breaker if their date is voting for a different candidate, compared to 30% of conservatives and 16% of moderates.
WOMEN’S SPORTS ARE A TURN-ON
Women’s sports are experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, fueled by increased visibility and support through media coverage and social media platforms. This growing interest not only highlights the incredible talent and dedication of female athletes but also inspires the next generation to participate in sports — and it’s becoming a deal maker for singles. Daters on OkCupid who watch women’s sports are getting 59% more Matches and having 42% more conversations on the app than those who don’t.
Now that you know what to expect this cuffing season, it’s time to update your dating profile! People who complete their OkCupid profile get 200% more matches, so what are you waiting for? Download OkCupid today.
Media contact: [email protected]
The Biggest Dating Trends Happening this Cuffing Season was originally published in OkCupid Dating Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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