The Modern Dating Crisis and the Paradox of Choice
June 18, 2026
Young people today are experiencing a dating crisis. According to a February report by the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), only 31% of young adults are active daters (defined as going on at least one date per month). Three-quarters of women and two-thirds of men in the survey have dated only a few times or not at all in the last year. Survey respondents also reported low levels of confidence in themselves and their dating abilities.
What is going on? IFS suggests that desire isn’t the problem. Contrary to popular belief, lots of young people want more than casual dating – they want to form serious long-term relationships, marriages, and families. The problem has to do with getting there. IFS argues that young people need more training in dating skills to boost their confidence and their ability to form connections and relationships.
