Highlights
- Val-Core Dating emphasizes shared social and political values in partners.
- Betterment Burnout marks a shift away from relentless self-improvement.
- Intuitive Intimacy prioritizes emotional over physical connection in relationships.
- Open-Hearted Masculinity and Consider-date trends redefine modern dating dynamics.
Bumble has unveiled its comprehensive report on the dating trends expected to shape 2024.
Drawing from insights of over 25,000 global singles using the platform, Bumble is basically highlighting the evolution in dating preferences and behaviors.
In 2023, Bumble’s trends revolved around themes like “Wanderlove,” exploring international romance, “Open-casting,” broadening dating choices, and setting new boundaries in various aspects of life.
The forthcoming year, according to Bumble, is anticipated to be a “year of self,” where singles are predicted to focus more on personal values and desires in their romantic pursuits.
The 2024 dating trend predictions from Bumble include:
- Val-Core Dating: This trend highlights the importance of shared values, particularly in social and political engagement. Bumble’s research indicates that 25% of users find political and social activism attractive in a partner. Specifically, 41% of Indian users consider political engagement vital, with human rights issues being the top cause. For 38% of Indian women, sharing similar values is crucial.
- Betterment Burnout: Many are rejecting the trend of ‘self-optimization,’ which has led to feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. The data reveals that 68% of women globally are taking steps to be content with their current selves, with 56% of Indian women preferring partners who accept them as they are.
- Intuitive Intimacy: Emotional intimacy is gaining precedence over physical connection, with 35% of Indian respondents valuing it more. The trend shows a significant focus on finding security and understanding in relationships.
- Open-Hearted Masculinity: There’s a shift in gender roles and expressions of masculinity, with 25% of men worldwide becoming more emotionally open. For 26% of Indian men, this openness positively impacts their mental health, and 37% view lack of vulnerability as a dealbreaker.
- MVP (Most Valuable Partner): Shared interest in sports is becoming a crucial factor in dating, with 35% of single Indians prioritizing this aspect. Bumble’s data shows a growing trend of attending sports events as a dating activity, especially among younger generations.
- Consider-date: There’s an increasing emphasis on mental health and self-care in dating, leading to the resurgence of ‘slow dating.’ In India, 33% are favoring this approach, focusing on quality over quantity in their dating experiences.
Samarpita Samaddar, Bumble’s India Communications Director said: “In 2023, we identified trends on travel romances, setting new boundaries, and dating outside your type. We know that cultural conversations around misogyny, women’s rights, and social issues, that are intertwined with our dating lives, left many exhausted this year.
This has impacted the way people want to date – people are feeling more empowered in their sense of self and seeking out people who value what’s important to them, whether it’s social causes, lifestyle choices or even their favourite sports.
It’s exciting to see people are now increasingly looking inward, and want to show up as authentic versions of themselves. We predict that 2024 will bring in a year of the self, with single Indians feeling more empowered than ever to prioritise what they value and what they will not stand for, leading to a new clarity about what they want in their romantic lives.”
FAQs
What is Val-Core Dating in Bumble’s 2024 Trends?
Val-Core Dating refers to the rising trend where individuals prioritize shared social and political values in their partners.
Bumble’s research shows that engagement in social causes and politics is increasingly important for singles seeking meaningful connections.
How is Betterment Burnout Changing Dating Attitudes?
Betterment Burnout highlights a move away from the pressure to constantly self-improve. This trend reflects a growing number of singles, especially women, who are embracing self-acceptance and seeking partners who appreciate them as they are.
What Does Intuitive Intimacy Mean in the Context of Bumble’s Predictions?
Intuitive Intimacy emphasizes the importance of emotional connection over physical attraction in romantic relationships. Bumble’s findings suggest that emotional safety and understanding are becoming primary criteria for singles in India and globally.
How are Open-Hearted Masculinity and Consider-date Reshaping Dating?
Open-Hearted Masculinity indicates a shift in men’s approach to dating, with more openness and vulnerability. Consider-date refers to the trend of ‘slow dating,’ focusing on mental health and quality interactions, challenging the fast-paced nature of modern dating.
What are some Bumble’s mini-dictionary of cricket-dating terms that you can apply in your dating journey ?
Helicopter shot noun
Just like a popularly known full-swing shot, the ‘helicopter shot’ in the game of love, is the big move you make when you realise they are the one for you!
Eg: “I’m hoping to pull off the helicopter shot and get my girlfriend to say YES!” All-rounder noun
An ‘all-rounder’ is someone who meets your expectations and desires leading to a meaningful, long-term connection.
Eg: “If you’re looking for someone who ticks all your boxes, you know they are an all-rounder!”
Clean bowled noun Like a straight shot by the bowler that hits the wicket leaving the batsman stumped, this could translate to you being ‘clean bowled’ as you realise you have fallen in love.
Eg: “I have no words. I’m clean-bowled in love!”
No ball / wide ball noun
As the batting side is given one free run and an extra delivery to bat for a ‘no ball’, see this as a nudge for a second chance to explore love and find what you’re looking for.
Eg: “Consider it as a no ball and get back on strike again! Love doesn’t come easy but there’s someone out there for you – you’ve got to give it another chance.”
Innings noun
Every cricket match has two innings when batsmen and bowlers reverse roles. When it comes to dating, why be stuck in outdated gendered roles and expectations in your relationship, instead set yourself up for a successful inning as you and your partner share equal responsibilities at home and in life.
Eg: “This inning is mine, you can take over the kitchen for today.”
Target noun
Create your own target, one that works for you. Instead of hitting sixes and fours during PowerPlay, you can also make magic happen in the last overs! Date at your own pace and set your own timelines, instead of rushing into things and giving into societal constructs or pressures.
Eg: “It may have taken time, but I believe it was setting a clear target for myself that got me my near-perfect partner!”
Hitting a boundary noun
In cricket, hitting a boundary – a four or six – is much sought after. However, in your dating journey, avoid the rush. Setting clear boundaries for yourself for your potential connections is crucial for a healthy and equitable relationship.
Eg: “They will have to know my boundary if we are to explore this relationship further.”
Coach noun
Every team and player relies on the invaluable support and guidance of their coach through the game. In the same way, your dating allies, who might be your friends or family, play a major role in supporting you through your dating journey.
Eg: “I always have a word with my coach to help me decide if I’m making the right decision.”
Are Cricket Dates Popular in India ?
Sports, cricket in particular, play an important role in dating journeys for Indians.
78% of Indians surveyed think cricket matches make for great dates
A majority (75%) of Indians surveyed say they actively look for a romantic partner with an interest in sports before deciding whether to explore a connection with them.
Over half (55%) Indians surveyed claim it’s a deal breaker if someone they are romantically interested in didn’t like cricket. This is more true for men (56%) than women (53%).
70% of Indians surveyed believe cricket match dates helps them learn about someone’s interest and passion in cricket and 63% believe they get to know someone’s personality (how someone reacts to a win or a loss, etc.)
When you’re a die-hard cricket fan but your partner isn’t
For 44% of Indians surveyed who’ve been in a dating situation where one liked cricket and the other didn’t, the one who didn’t like cricket compromised and they watched it together, while 41% of Indians surveyed say they spent lots of time apart.
32% of Indians surveyed said they grew to love it and for nearly 1 in 5 (22%) who’ve been in a dating situation where one liked cricket and the other didn’t, it ended their relationship.
Also Read: Bumble, Infladating’ Site, Reveals Single Indians Prefer Low-Key Dating