Here’s what dating in 2024 looks like, according to Bumble
Check what applies to you as Bumble shares 2024 dating trends | Photos by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels and from Bumble/Instagram
The intersection of technology, culture, and individual preferences continues to shape romantic connections. In this era, dating has transcended traditional boundaries, giving rise to a myriad of trends that reflect the dynamic nature of modern relationships.
Popular dating application Bumble predicts a paradigm shift in 2024. The trend, derived from research conducted through internal polling from Sept. 21 to 26, gathered insights from a diverse sample of 26,849 Bumble members spanning over 20 countries.
The result emphasizes embracing imperfections and authenticity and fostering a dating culture where individuals feel liberated to be their genuine selves.
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To provide a more comprehensive list with statistics, here are Bumble’s dating trends for 2024:
“Age is just a number”
Bumble users are broadening their age range preferences, showcasing an increasing openness to connect with individuals who are either older or younger. For 63 percent of those surveyed, age is not a defining factor when dating.
“Engagement in social causes”
On Bumble, users are encouraged to share on their profiles the various social causes they are passionate about, and it appears that this holds greater importance in dating preferences for the upcoming year. Bumble’s research underscores that women in particular exhibit less openness to dating individuals with differing political views.
“Rebelling against self-improvement”
About 55 percent of surveyed singles feel the pressure to constantly improve, and 24 percent feel unworthy in relationships. More than two-thirds of women surveyed (68 percent) by Bumble are actively finding happiness in accepting themselves as they are. Forty percent of women surveyed now prefer dating individuals who embrace them without trying to change them. Clearly, contentment is the key takeaway.
“Emotional intimacy is key”
Insights from Bumble users reveal that 32 percent consider emotional intimacy to be more significant than sex, viewing it as more attractive than a purely physical connection. This shift in perspective highlights an increasing recognition of the importance of deep emotional connections in contemporary dating.
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“Open-hearted masculinity”
Open-hearted masculinity embraces vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and a genuine willingness to connect authentically with others. Men, in response to the cultural shifts (e.g. movies, music, fashion, and pop culture), are embodying open-hearted masculinity with 25 percent of the surveyed men actively acknowledging and adopting a more vulnerable stance with their dating partners than ever before.
“Rejecting dating milestones”
Traditionally, marriage has been viewed as a goal, often tied to a specific age for achievement. However, Bumble reveals a changing narrative in the coming year. Bumble’s research indicates a growing number of singles are discarding outdated expectations and societal pressures related to the “right” time for milestones. 2024 encourages a more fluid approach to relationships, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace and savor the journey without adhering to predefined timelines.
“A shared love of sports”
A big point for sports as it is a plus in 2024 dating. For 31 percent of singles, a shared love for sports is now non-negotiable. Additionally, 24 percent emphasize the importance of attending a game together, particularly among Gen Z and millennial singles, showcasing how the passion for sports is reshaping the landscape of modern dating.
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“Quality over quantity”
Isn’t it always like that—quality over quantity in most cases? Well, this holds true as 2024 focuses on self-care. Fifty-eight percent of Bumble users are now openly discussing mental health, with 31 percent embracing “slow dating” for better well-being. Notably, 36 percent of women seek partners who value self-care, reflecting a shift towards mindful connections.
Whether any of these predicted trends in 2024 apply to you or not, what matters most is that you create your own narrative because you know yourself better and understand what’s worthy for you.
