Marriage is no longer a life milestone for 39% of single Indian daters, but an option: Survey

According to the survey, more than 39 percent of daters above 28 from metros and suburbs feel that marriage is no longer a life milestone; it is a choice (Image: Pexels)

Just as relationship dynamics have changed and continue to evolve, commitment is also being looked at differently by most single Indians. In a recent survey by QuackQuack, a dating app from India, 1 in 3 millennial daters believe that the concept of marriage and relationships will look very different in the next decade. The shift is evident already.

The app surveyed 10,340 active daters between 22 and 35 from metros, suburban, and rural areas of India. Participants came from all walks of life; from IT professionals and healthcare workers to people in finance and banking, sales and marketing, education and training, and even social media creators. The aim was to explore how individuals are redefining notions of emotional connection and intimacy in the digital age.

The Founder and CEO of the app, Ravi Mittal, shared, "4 out of 5 daters today have a deeper understanding of themselves and their priorities are shifting. They are not anti-marriage, they are not anti-commitment; we need to understand that they simply want the freedom to choose what works best for them instead of following society's timeline and expectations."

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Marriage is not mandatory, but optional

While marriage is a ritual that’s considered mandatory, for many it’s now becoming a choice. According to the survey, more than 39 percent of daters above 28 from metros and suburbs feel that marriage is no longer a life milestone; it is a choice. The rise of virtual dating is proof that people are capable of loving each other regardless of circumstances.

Two out of four female users from metropolitan cities also said this shift reflects changing socio-economic realities and modern lifestyles, where commitment no longer depends on physical proximity or legal validation.

Technology and romance

The survey also highlighted the role of tech in romance, where two out of four daters shared they believe it will have a bigger role to play. With the rising workload and hectic lifestyle, online dating might be the only way people can still remain connected.

And contrary to popular belief, 28% of daters between 22 and 29 claimed that technology is doing the exact opposite of making love superficial; it is making love accessible to all, regardless of geographical barrier, time constraint, and even financial constraint. The stigma around meeting through online platforms is steadily disappearing; soon it is expected to be the 'new normal'.

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There's a new love language; self awareness

For those who are active on online dating apps but haven’t been successful in finding ‘the one’, they are using the free time for ‘self growth’. 6 in 10 respondents explained that every match that does not work, offers them valuable information about what they should or shouldn't do, and more importantly, about their preferences and non-negotiables.

23 percent of dating app users between 25 and 35 shared that spending over five months on any app, communicating with different people, can make you more self-aware, owing to the exposure to several perspectives.