Brands
Tinder study reveals Gen Z driven by self-discovery
MUMBAI: Popular dating app Tinder has done a unique study on the youth population in India revealing that the early 20s have acquired “a new meaning and cultural significance” for the GenZ. The study reveals that the youngsters in the age bracket of 18 to 25 are changing the norms of “adulting” by trying to be freer in exploring career fits, relationships, interactions, self expression, self-identity, and the direction they want their life to take. For both men and women, getting married and having kids ranks fairly low on their 5 year-goals lists and aspirations. So does accumulating assets – they would much rather collect experiences.
The study states for young Indians in the ages of 18 to 25, ‘being myself’ is the most important priority over a five-year horizon. For those in the ages of 18 to 22, this is followed by making their parents proud (56 per cent), building strong friendships (56 per cent), finishing their education (52 per cent) and exploring the world and meeting different people (42 per cent). These priorities evolve somewhat for those in the age group of 22 to 25 years, with getting a good job becoming a key priority (56 per cent), while making their parents proud (54 per cent) and building strong friendships (52 per cent) remain strong priorities for this cohort as well.
Tinder’s research also found that the uncertainties of this life stage are felt in more pronounced ways for women in India who have conventionally had much more pressure to adhere to social expectations and norms, and are also allowed less time than men before being asked to “settle down". 63 per cent of women surveyed indicated their desire to work hard to achieve self identified goals as a top priority.
Speaking about the insights, Tinder India – GM Taru Kapoor said, “In our social narrative, there always has been a lot of focus on ‘goals’ and ‘successes’ – the perfect life partner, the settled career path, the house, the car or whatever it is that one aspires to. But we have never really focused on celebrating the journey that gets us there – the mishaps and the milestones, the sometimes confusing but ultimately very memorable phase of life that is unique for everyone. We want to celebrate the little wins and showcase empathy towards the struggles, dilemmas, worries, and wins of this life stage without judgment. We believe the journey is just as important to celebrate and cherish as the destination. It is the journey of growing up and discovering the world and yourself. It is an opportunity to deeply examine your values and challenge preconceived definitions of happiness, success, and possibilities. We are therefore celebrating the journey towards ‘Adulting’. Tinder is a companion and champion as we celebrate this life-phase and navigate all its unique dilemmas and problems.”
Brands
65 per cent women start credit early, 76 per cent show confidence: mPokket survey
mPokket survey highlights rising financial independence and purposeful borrowing
NEW DELHI: A quiet financial shift is underway across India, and women are at the centre of it. A new survey by mPokket suggests that young Indian women are entering the credit system earlier, with greater confidence and a sharper sense of purpose than ever before.
Based on responses from 10,000 women across the country, the study finds that more than 65 per cent took their first loan before turning 30. Far from hesitation, confidence appears to be the norm, with nearly 76 per cent saying they felt assured when taking that first step into formal borrowing.
The findings point to more than just access. They reflect a broader shift in financial independence. Nearly 79 per cent of respondents believe women today are more financially empowered than the previous generation, a view supported by rising workforce participation and easier access to digital finance tools.
What stands out is the diversity of borrowers. While 48.6 per cent of respondents are salaried, close to 40 per cent are self-employed, running small businesses or working independently. This signals that credit is no longer limited to traditional employment structures but is reaching India’s expanding micro-economy, including gig workers and entrepreneurs.
The intent behind borrowing also tells a story. For 41.6 per cent, loans are a safety net for emergencies. Another 20.8 per cent use credit to support their families, while 15.7 per cent borrow for education or skill development. In short, borrowing is less about impulse and more about planning.
Financial discipline is keeping pace. Around 40 per cent of respondents report saving monthly, 28.4 per cent use autopay to manage EMIs, and over a quarter maintain a monthly budget. For many, financial health is defined not by wealth, but by reliability, with 45.7 per cent ranking timely EMI payments as their top priority.
The survey largely captures women under the age of 29, a group entering formal credit systems for the first time. Their habits, the report suggests, could shape how India approaches borrowing in the years ahead.
Commenting on the findings, mPokket CEO and founder Gaurav Jalan said the shift is structural rather than temporary. “It is not just about borrowing, it is about agency. Women are confident, they borrow with clear purpose, and they follow through. The responsibility for platforms like ours is to build products that are accessible, transparent, and designed for such a cohort.”
As India’s credit culture evolves, this new generation of women borrowers appears to be rewriting the rules, proving that financial confidence and responsibility can go hand in hand.
