Image: Josh Hild
As the economic situation continues to worsen for many young people in developing countries, where they are a significant portion of the unemployed, the pursuit of love and companionship remains a priority for them.
For young people worldwide, inflation is hitting their pockets hard, and the search for a partner is pushing many into debt.
About 22% of millennials are likely to incur debt due to their dating habits.
According to a LendingTree survey of 1,578 U.S. consumers, "77% of people who are dating say it would be easier if they had more money."
This sentiment is more common among men (83%) than women (73%).
Regardless, 32% say they would still go on a date even if they couldn't afford it, with men (36%) more likely to do so than women (30%).
The consequence of this is that people go on fewer dates than they otherwise would. "1 in 5 (19%) daters say they are going on fewer dates because of inflation. Another 14% are trying to spend less on dates."
Dating affects men more as they feel more responsible for paying for the dates.
"More than half of men (54%) say a man should pay for the first date. Meanwhile, 26% of women say the cost of the date should be shared between partners.
Gen Zers are more likely to say that the person who asked for the first date should pay (34%) or that the costs should be split (32%).
Additionally, the cost of dating makes people less likely to ask for a second date."
What is the benefit of asking to see someone again if it just means spending money you don't have?
As things stand, only the wealthy or the affluent will be able to afford outside dates; others might opt to meet at home.
