Chennai – Across Asia , modern lifestyles are making it harder for young people living alone to build the meaningful relationships they desire . In India , the challenge is not a lack of opportunities to connect ; rather , the challenge is finding relationships that feel meaningful in an increasingly hectic and digitally connected world . Young Indians are constantly seeking social and romantic relationships , yet work pressures , fatigue and the gap between online conversation and real- life relationships make it difficult to feel a true connection .
To better understand this changing landscape of human connections , Match Group commissioned Ipsos to study how young, single people in India experience loneliness , social connection , relationships , and dating . The results of the study reveal a clear connection paradox : Young Indians are actively seeking connections , but being surrounded by people and digitally connected does n’t always make them feel less lonely . For many , the growing need is not just for more ways to meet people , but for fewer , deeper , and more meaningful relationships .
A Match Group Human Connections survey found that 35 % of single Indians often or always feel lonely , while 70% actively try to make new social connections . Furthermore , 75% meet in person more than once a week . The findings suggest that loneliness is increasingly linked to the pressures of modern life , rather than a lack of desire or opportunity to connect with others .
64% of singles in India say they prioritize work or studies over their social life . Meanwhile , 55% say they are too tired after their daily tasks to attend social events . Furthermore , more than half ( 58 %) say they connect with people online but feel lonely in real life . This highlights the gap between being digitally connected and experiencing meaningful human connection .
Young Indians are looking for fewer , deeper relationships .
Despite these challenges , the desire to connect with others remains strong . 72% of unmarried Indians say they want fewer but deeper relationships . At the same time , 70% are actively seeking to form new social connections . The results of the study suggest that instead of withdrawing from relationships , young Indians are being more mindful of the relationships they want to form .
This need for connection extends to romantic relationships . 78% believe in true love , and 77 % believe they will eventually find their perfect partner . Meanwhile , 85% say they are looking for a long- term relationship , rising to 89 % among Gen Z.
The findings also indicate that young Indians are becoming more selective about who they form relationships with . 63% would rather continue to look for new partners than settle for an imperfect match . Meanwhile , 72 % say they only date people they can see a long-term future with . This reflects their preference for relationships based on compatibility and long -term potential .
“ Young Indians are becoming more discerning about the type of relationship they want , ” said Anukul Kumar, regional president and senior director, India and Middle East , Match Group . “ According to this study , 35% of unmarried Indians feel lonely often or always . At the same time , 70% actively try to form new social connections , and 72 % say they prefer fewer but deeper relationships . While hectic lifestyles and digital connections make it difficult to achieve real relationships , this indicates a strong desire for meaningful relationships . With a human nature to find genuine , compatible and meaningful relationships , technology can play a role in helping people find such relationships , ” he added .
The role of technology in finding meaningful connections
As people face these challenges , technology is increasingly becoming an integral part of the ways they meet and connect with others . 40% of singles in India currently use a dating app , while 63% say dating apps help them feel more connected and reduce loneliness . More than half (55%) say they are likely or very likely to use a dating app in the next 12 months , while 60% describe online dating as exciting .
The study also indicates that trust plays a key role in how people approach online relationships . 60% of singles in India say they are concerned about safety and inclusion when socializing online . Meanwhile , 52 % say that verified and approved profiles and strong security measures are among the most important factors when choosing a dating app .
These findings point to the broader role of technology in helping people move from simply connecting to finding meaningful human connections . As dating becomes one of the ways people meet and develop relationships , creating an environment where people feel safe and confident is an important foundation for those relationships .
To understand how single young adults today experience loneliness , social connection , relationships and dating , Ipsos conducted the ‘ Match Group Human Connection Study ‘ across India , Japan , South Korea and Thailand . In India , the study was conducted among 1,000 single adults aged 18 to 45 in major metropolitan and tier 1 cities .