In a world of endless swipes, 35 per cent of Indian singles still feel lonely

NEW DELHI: Being constantly connected does not necessarily mean feeling less alone. A new Match Group-Ipsos survey finds that 35 per cent of Indian singles often or always feel lonely, even as 70 per cent are actively working to build new social connections.

The Match Group Human Connection Survey, conducted among 1,000 single Indians aged 18 to 45 across major metropolitan and Tier 1 cities, examines how young adults experience loneliness, social relationships and dating.

The findings point to a growing gap between digital interaction and meaningful connection, with work pressures, exhaustion and busy lifestyles making it harder for many to maintain deeper relationships.

While 75 per cent of respondents say they socialise in person more than once a week, 64 per cent say they prioritise work or studies over their social life.

Another 55 per cent say they are too exhausted after their daily tasks to socialise, while 58 per cent feel connected to people online but lonely in real life.

At the same time, the desire for meaningful relationships remains strong. Around 72 per cent of Indian singles say they prefer fewer but deeper connections, while 70 per cent are actively working to build new social connections.

The survey also points to a strong focus on long-term romantic relationships. Around 78 per cent believe in true love and 77 per cent believe they will eventually find “the one”. Meanwhile, 85 per cent say they are looking for a long-term relationship, rising to 89 per cent among Gen Z respondents.

The findings suggest that respondents are also becoming more selective about romantic relationships. Around 63 per cent would rather continue looking than settle for an imperfect match, while 72 per cent say they will only date people they can see a long-term future with.

Match Group senior director, regional head – India and Middle East Anukool Kumar said, “Young Indians are becoming more intentional about the kind of connection they want. The research shows that 35 per cent of Indian singles feel lonely often or always, even as 70 per cent are actively working to build new social connections and 72 per cent say they prefer fewer but deeper connections. This points to a strong desire for meaningful relationships, even as busy lifestyles and digital interactions can make genuine connection harder to achieve. Technology can play a role in helping people discover those connections with a goal that ultimately is very human: finding relationships that feel genuine, compatible and meaningful.”

Technology is already part of the way many Indian singles approach social and romantic connections. The survey found that 40 per cent currently use a dating app, while 63 per cent say dating apps help them feel more connected and less alone.

More than half, or 55 per cent, say they are likely or very likely to use a dating app over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 60 per cent describe online dating as exciting.

Safety and inclusivity remain important considerations. Around 60 per cent of Indian singles say they are concerned about safety and inclusivity when dating online, while 52 per cent identify verified and authenticated profiles and strong safety measures as important factors when choosing a dating app.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos across India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand to understand how single young adults experience loneliness, social connection, relationships and dating.

For Match Group, the findings highlight a shift towards more intentional connections, with technology positioned as one route through which people can discover relationships that extend beyond the digital space.