Watching others be open about their dating experiences is having a positive impact, with 42% of women saying they feel less self-conscious and lonely because of it. These relatable dating stories resonate with singles, with 1 in 3 (35%) respondents saying that realistic, positive dating content makes them feel hopeful about their own love lives\u2014proving that what matters most is authenticity. Roughly a third of online dating users (35%) say they have ever paid to use one of these platforms \u2013 including for extra features \u2013 but this varies by income, age and gender. Some 45% of online dating users with upper incomes report having paid to use a dating site or app, compared with 36% of users with middle incomes and 28% of those with lower incomes. Similarly, 41% of users 30 and older say they have paid to use these platforms, compared with 22% of those under 30. Men who have dated online are more likely than women to report having paid for these sites and apps (41% vs. 29%).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
On the positive side, many agreed their relationship breakups were necessary and facilitated personal growth and development (63%) and that they are now better at ending relationships quicker when they do not meet their needs (67%). Perhaps many of their frustrations with dating stem in significant part from the gap between what their avowed purposes are for dating and their current capacities or skills for dating. Respondents reported a median of three exclusive romantic dating partners in their lifetime. But more than half (52%) have had significant dating experience in the past (three or more exclusive relationships) and we found few gender differences in this reported experience.<\/p>\n
By contrast, 64% of men say they have felt insecure because of the lack of messages they received, while four-in-ten women say the same. And there is an important practical matter too \u2013 the cost of dating was also a big barrier (reported by both women and men). Perhaps relationship educators could help young adults get around this challenge by providing lists of creative dating options with cheaper price tags.<\/p>\n