New Harris Poll data from Match Group and The Kinsey Institute reveals a widening “readiness gap” as Gen Z sets unprecedented standards for relationships

Jan. 21, 2025 – A new nationally representative study finds that while Gen Z (18–29 year olds) holds the strongest belief in true love of any generation, only 55% feel prepared to pursue a romantic relationship. The Human Connection Study, a survey of 2,500 U.S. singles conducted by The Harris Poll in partnership with Match Group and The Kinsey Institute, shows that 80% of Gen Z believe they will find true love, compared to 57% of all singles. Yet just 55% say they feel ready for a romantic relationship, revealing a widening gap between optimism and readiness as expectations around emotional, personal, and financial preparedness rise.

The Readiness Checklist

Before feeling ready for a relationship, Gen Z believes several factors signal readiness, including:

• Set healthy boundaries (42%)
• Be comfortable being alone (41%)
• Feel happy and fulfilled (41%)
• Invest in personal growth (37%)
• Have strong established friendships (36%)

« Gen Z’s optimism about love is remarkable. Eighty-six percent want a committed romantic relationship, but they’re also redefining how and when they get there, » said Chine Mmegwa, Head of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Business Operations at Match Group. « The research illustrates a unique opportunity for Match Group to continue introducing experiences on our apps that feel low-pressure and authentic in order to help these users learn more about themselves and find the connections they’re looking for. »

Why the Wait?

Gen Z’s hesitation isn’t about a lack of belief in love. It’s about the tremendous pressure they feel toward relationships. Only 37% describe their parents’ relationship as « happy » compared to 52% of Boomers, and three-quarters want to avoid divorce at all costs, leading many to believe they must be fully “ready” before committing. Beyond traditional milestones, Gen Z feels added pressure to demonstrate emotional growth, independence, and self-awareness, while social media raises the stakes by making relationships feel more public and permanent. As a result, readiness becomes a moving target, even as the desire for connection remains strong.

Gen Z and Millennials use dating apps as tools for self-discovery, not just connection: 80% say apps help them learn about themselves, 87% say apps clarify what they want in a partner, and 81% say apps have taught them to set and maintain boundaries, using technology to work toward the very readiness they seek.

From the Experts

Many experts say Gen Z’s pursuit of low-pressure connections shows they’re discovering that you can value independence and still need connection, and encourage young daters to embrace growth through connection.

« Young people want their relationships to be rooted in desire rather than practical needs, » said Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of The Kinsey Institute and Scientific Advisor to Match Group, who has studied relationship patterns for over 15 years. « If you’re financially independent, can pay for your own bills, get your own groceries, manage your own laundry and house projects, you convince yourself that you don’t need a partner except for the pleasures of hanging out and going to the movies with them so you’re not lonely. But when we set up this false dichotomy of needs and wants, you’re robbing yourself and your potential partner of ways to show up for each other, to learn and expand together, and the pleasures of supporting one another. »

« Social media and AI companions are teaching Gen Z that the messiness of human relationships is something to be tamed, not embraced, but vulnerability and friction are essential ingredients of intimacy. » said Amelia Miller, Match Group’s Human Connections Lab researcher. « The self-actualization that Gen Z is seeking out solo is actually unlocked through relationships with others. »

Download the full report HERE or visit Match Group’s Human Connection Hub. Follow Match Group on LinkedIn for continued discussion and insights about the evolution of human connection and relationships.

Survey Methodology

Third-party research was conducted on behalf of Match Group by The Harris Poll. The survey was conducted online in the United States from September 26 – October 5, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 2,500 single adults ages 18 – 79. Gen Z is defined as those ages 18 – 29; Millennial is defined as those ages 30- 44; Gen X is defined as those ages 45-60; and Boomers are defined as those ages 61-79.