This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Kinsey Institute released new data from its annual Singles in America survey, the nation's most comprehensive and longest-running annual study of single adults. Now in its 15th edition, Singles in America has surveyed more than 80,000 people across the United States, creating one of the richest data sets available for understanding shifting relationship patterns, population demographics and social trends.
The latest 2026 survey included a large sample of approximately 5,000 U.S. single adults ages 18 and older. Kinsey Institute researchers examined current attitudes, behaviors and experiences across areas such as singlehood, dating, relationships, marriage and children, as well as the wider social and economic context in which relationships take place, including finances, work, gender roles, mental health, social media, technology and politics. The demographically representative 2026 survey included 120 questions, ranging from "What makes a relationship feel meaningful?" and "What has driven your readiness to find a relationship?" to "Would you use AI to help you in your dating life?" and "What do you think healthy masculinity looks like?" There is renewed interest in committed relationships and marriage.
After steadily rising to a peak of 32% in 2021, the share of respondents who said they don't want a relationship declined to 24% in 2026. At the same time, respondents who said they would like to get married in the future increased from 33% in 2010 to 45% in 2026, although the ideal age for marriage and the ideal length of dating before marriage both increased. Approximately a third (30%) of respondents said they would be open to long-term committed relationships with no intention of marrying.
Love at first sight is rising, but so is the slow burn. Belief in love at first sight increased dramatically from 41% in 2010 to 62% in 2026, and those saying they have experienced it increased from 30% to 47%. However, nearly half of singles (49%) said they have fallen for someone they did not initially find attractive, up from 30% in 2010.
The top reasons include having great conversations, sharing common interests and becoming best friends. However, showing self-improvement, such as becoming more emotionally mature, more attractive, more financially stable and setting life goals, gained in importance over the same period. Singles also appear more willing to try a second date if the first isn't exciting, rising from 35% in 2021 to 41% in 2026.
At the same time, U.S. singles are becoming clearer about what they want: The share with a "checklist" for a long-term partner rose from 25% in 2021 to 34% in 2026, while fewer reported falling in love with someone who did not meet most of their checklist. In addition, 50% of Gen Z respondents reported screening or researching dates online before meeting them in person, most commonly through social media (60%), but also via Google search (37%) and background checks (29%), among other methods. "There's an interesting tension in the data: Singles today have clear expectations for a partner, but love still has the ability to surprise them," said Dr.
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