Across the developed world, relationship and marriage rates have dropped dramatically over the past few decades. Research shows that between 2010 and 2022, the share of people living alone increased in most OECD countries. In countries like South Korea, Japan, China, and the US, millions of young adults are choosing or finding themselves without a romantic partner.
Experts point to several major factors driving this transformation. The pandemic caused a massive disruption in daily social life. Sociologists explain that dating is a skill that requires regular practice; missing two years of social interaction made it difficult for young adults to handle romance and rejection. Furthermore, high screen time keeps individuals isolated on their couches rather than mingling at social gatherings. Even dating apps, which were supposed to connect people, often make dating feel overwhelming because users filter partners like playlists, setting strict standards like height or politics.
At the same time, deep economic and cultural shifts are taking place. Women now attain university degrees and professional careers in greater numbers than ever before. Because they are financially independent, they are no longer pressured into traditional or unhappy marriages. Instead, they seek partners who contribute equally to household duties and respect their freedom. However, surveys indicate that about 60 to 70 percent of single people still wish they had a partner, meaning that for many, staying single is an unintended consequence of modern life rather than a preferred choice.
