Tinder released its annual report analyzing user data on the 3rd.
Tinder said this year Millennials and Gen Z singles moved to reduce ambiguity in relationships and value clear self-expression and emotional openness, and presented four dating trends that will lead 2026.
According to the report, users are clearly more inclined to express their intentions and feelings in relationships. Some 64% of respondents picked emotional honesty as the most important factor in dating, and 60% said the purpose of the meeting should be explained clearly. The standards for attraction are also aligned with an unvarnished attitude, with 73% saying they feel attracted when they can show themselves as they are in front of the other person.
Some 76% also said they would use AI in the dating process, with particularly high demand for date course recommendations (39%), profile photo selection (28%), and writing self-introductions (28%).
The trend of judging a match based on authenticity is also clear. The analysis said values now weigh more than simple external conditions in determining whether dating happens. Some 41% of respondents said they would not date someone with the opposite political leaning, and issues such as racial discrimination (37%), views on family (36%), and LGBTQ rights (32%) were cited as major turnoffs. Some 54% of respondents cited being rude to staff during a date as the biggest deal-breaker.
Friends' influence on the dating process is also expanding. Among the young singles surveyed, 42% said friends influence their dating, and 37% said they plan group dates or double dates next year. This trend also showed up in Tinder's double date feature. About 85% of users were under 30, it had a higher matching probability than regular profiles, and the amount of messages exchanged after a match was on average 25% higher than 1:1 matches.
A preference for deep connection while lowering emotional burden also stood out. Overall, 56% of respondents saw candid conversation as most important, and 45% said they need empathy from the other person even in the process of turning someone down. For first dates, there was a higher preference for light, comfortable meetups like walks or coffee, and 35% said they identify as so-called "low-key lovers," seeking stable relationships over flashy developments.