New Delhi: A recent survey by popular dating platform Bumble has found that ‘dry dating’ or alcohol-free dates will be the top dating trend this year. More than half of the respondents (56%), comprising GenZ and millennials, are turning to sober dates to get to know their potential partners better and with a clearer mind.
Bumble’s latest study conducted across 2,000 single adults finds a growing trend among participants who are moving away from consuming alcohol — with 1 in 4 single Indians choosing not to drink on dates in 2023.
The poll revealed a shift in attitude among younger generations towards dating and alcohol.
The survey found that almost 1 in 2 — about 47 per cent — Millennials who were surveyed admit they previously turned to alcohol on a date to settle their nerves, while 1 in 3 — about 31 per cent — GenZ respondents chose to drink to give the other person company.
A ‘clear mind’
The poll also highlighted the ‘top reason’ for participants choosing sober dates over alcohol. About 56 per cent of the respondents wanted a ‘clear mind’ in order to know their dates well.
Another 45 per cent of the respondents, who consume liquor, are opting for dry dating as they want to improve their ‘health and wellbeing’ by reducing its consumption.
Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director at Bumble said, “Since the pandemic, we have seen a rise in ‘sober curiosity’ and more people opting for alcohol-free dry dates. Dating while sober may feel more difficult for some, but nothing feels more empowering than living a life true to your needs.”
Based on this growing trend, the dating platform is helping people embrace their sober selves with an updated ’Drinking’ badge within the app, allowing members to showcase their drinking habits more accurately by adding the ‘Rarely’ option along with pre-existing ‘Frequently’, ‘Socially’, ‘Never’, and ‘Sober’ options.
Bumble also suggested numerous alternatives to help people navigate dates between people who drink and those who do not. The dating platform’s relationship expert, Shahzeen Shivdasani suggests coffee dates, game dates, food-hopping as well as attending gigs and concerts as ways to keep alcohol away from first dates.
This research study was commissioned by Bumble and conducted by YouGov across the country in January.
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