Survey: 78 Million U.S. Singles Quit Dating in 2024

We conducted a survey of 3,000 singles and combined the results with census data to estimate how many people across the U.S. are currently opting out of the dating scene.

The results reveal some surprising trends—read on for the full findings.

Key Findings

The Great Dating Opt-Out

More than 78 million singles in the U.S. have turned their backs on dating, tired of the ups and downs of the dating world.

Whether it’s a bad first date or digital deception, the current dating landscape isn’t for everyone.

Why Ghosting Hurts the Most

Ghosting tops the list for why singles have sworn off dating, with 30% of respondents saying they left the scene after being ignored.

In a world where connection is just a swipe away, the silence that follows can feel even more deafening.

The Dealbreaker

For nearly 27%, catfishing and dishonesty have been dealbreakers.

When expectations fall far short of reality, it’s no wonder people are avoiding the dating scene.

Chemistry that Never Sparked

First dates filled with awkward silences and forced conversations are another top reason people have checked out.

A quarter of respondents cited poor chemistry as the final nail.

Safety Concerns in Dating

For 18% of singles, harassment and unwanted advances made dating more dangerous than romantic.

This speaks to larger concerns around safety and boundaries that many singles navigate when trying to meet new people.

Things That Keep People Away from Dating

• Ghosting and Lack of Communication: People are fed up with being ghosted, which can feel both rude and disheartening.
• Dishonesty and Catfishing: Discovering that someone isn't who they say they are can make dating feel unsafe and not worth the risk.
• Poor Chemistry on Dates: Bad dates leave people wondering if there’s anyone out there they can truly connect with.
• Harassment or Unwanted Advances: The fear of being mistreated or objectified drives many away from dating apps and in-person encounters.
• Mismatched Expectations: Many singles are simply tired of dates where both parties are on different wavelengths, leading to frustration and disappointment.
• Burnout from Dating Apps: The swipe culture can feel exhausting after a while, with people disengaging after not finding meaningful matches.
• Pressure to Present a 'Perfect' Image: The social media influence on dating has led many to feel they need to curate their lives or looks, adding stress to the process.

Methodology

Online panel survey of 3,000 respondents based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets, including Census Data of single Americans. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. October 2024.

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