The world of dating is always in a state of flux. As we come close to 2024, data suggests that it will be the year of self-love. According to dating app Bumble, over half of Indian women (59%, to be exact) are stepping into the new year armed with a resolute clarity about their romantic aspirations. It's not just about swiping left or right — it's about women boldly defining what they desire from love, relationships, and the thrilling journey ahead.
The popular dating app has garnered insights from more than 25,000 singles on Bumble around the world to identify trends that will define dating and relationships in the year to come.
Looking ahead, as per the data, 2024 is set to be “the year of the self” in dating and relationships, with more people looking inwards at what they value and want. This personal prioritisation sees singles rejecting the constant strive for perfection, discarding outdated timelines, challenging ‘jobification,’ and placing more value on emotional vulnerability, self-acceptance, and shared priorities.
The trends for 2024? Think activism, imperfections celebrated as the latest chic, a profound shift toward emotional intimacy, and an open embrace of vulnerability. It’s the era of women carving their unique path in the intricate world of modern romance.
“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," said Samarpita Samaddar, Bumble’s India Communications Director.
"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,” she added.
What are the dating trends for 2024?
In this upcoming era of love, Bumble predicts several fascinating trends that will shape the romantic landscape. From the rise of "val-core dating," where shared values and engagement on social causes take centre stage, to a rebellion against the relentless quest for self-improvement, termed "betterment burnout," it's evident that the dynamics of modern love are undergoing a metamorphosis.
The spotlight on "intuitive intimacy" suggests a shift in focus from physical connections to emotional bonds, with emotional intimacy gaining precedence over sex. Furthermore, the exploration of "open-hearted masculinity" paints a picture of evolving gender roles in the context of relationships.
But that's not all – the year 2024 is poised to witness the dawn of "MVP (most valuable partner)" relationships, where a shared love for sports becomes a key ingredient. As singles redefine their approach to dating with "consider-date," prioritising self-care and mental health, the trend of 'slow-dating' gains momentum.
