Gen Z Dating Shifts Amid Costs, App Monetization, Debt

Rising financial pressures are reshaping Gen Z's lives: in some markets—especially India—BNPL apps have surged and are quietly trapping young people in mounting debt that leads to missed payments, fees and credit damage. The cost-of-living squeeze is curbing romantic and sexual lives—more young adults live with family or roommates, reducing privacy; partnered sex rates have fallen while solo sex and privacy-seeking behaviors rise. Many Gen Zers report disengagement from dating apps and social‑media‑shaped courtship and say they are prioritizing careers, wellbeing and authenticity over pursuing relationships. Industry leaders push back that monetization, not disinterest, is a core problem—Grindr’s CEO argues paywalls lock basic features and drive users to free platforms like Instagram. Dating apps are introducing AI tools to reduce burnout and streamline matching, but experts warn that app monetization, shared‑living privacy limits and financial instability together may produce lasting changes in how young people pursue intimacy.