Match Group Study Reveals Shift to Intentional Dating Among U.S. Singles — Match Group, Inc.

Event summary

Match Group released its 15th annual Singles in America study on September 10, 2026, based on a survey of 5,000 U.S. singles.
72% of singles are open to dating or a relationship, but only 16% are actively seeking commitment.
76% believe romantic love can last forever, while 71% say financial openness builds trust.
49% have fallen for someone they were not initially attracted to, highlighting the role of conversation and shared values.
Women prioritize peace and emotional safety over passion and excitement by a 40% to 9% margin.

The big picture

The study underscores a broader industry trend toward quality over quantity in dating, aligning with Match Group's strategic focus on fostering meaningful connections. As singles prioritize emotional safety and financial openness, dating platforms may need to adapt their algorithms and features to cater to these evolving preferences. The data also highlights generational differences, suggesting that younger users may drive future growth in the sector.

What we're watching

Intentional Dating: How Match Group will leverage these insights to refine its platforms for more intentional matchmaking.
Generational Shifts: Whether younger generations' openness to dating will translate into higher engagement on Match Group's platforms.
Trust Signals: The pace at which financial transparency features will be integrated into dating apps to build trust.