Understanding the Relationship Recession: Why It’s a Major Concern for Gen Z

The decline in relationships, particularly among young adults, is more significant than previously thought. Recent studies reveal that many of Generation Z report fewer stable relationships than Millennials. Past research often overlooked separated partners, indicating that the reality may be even more severe: fewer Gen Zers are engaged in relationships than anticipated.

Various factors contribute to this trend—from the pervasive influence of social media to a challenging housing market. However, researchers are still seeking to understand the implications of prolonged singleness on happiness. “We must carefully avoid pathologizing the choice of being single,” cautions Maximilian Ullich, a researcher from the University of Basel.

Researchers, including Catherine Twamley from University College London, analyzed data from two national UK surveys focusing on individuals’ relationship statuses. The first survey (2010-2012) involved Millennials born between 1981 and 1996, while the second (2022-2024) focused on Gen Z participants within the same age range.

Findings show that 57% of Millennials reported being in a stable relationship, while only 49% of Gen Zers in the same demographic indicated the same. “This trend appears quite unprecedented,” noted Ulrich.

The research highlights that fewer Gen Zers cohabit with partners compared to their Millennial counterparts, illustrating the depth of the issue, according to Twamley, who presented these findings at a lecture last month at the Love: Practical and Theoretical conference in Edinburgh, UK.

Changes in relationship dynamics are likely due to multiple factors. “Gen Z grew up as the first generation heavily immersed in social media and smartphones, dramatically influencing their interaction styles,” states Ulrich.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role, significantly impacting social interactions during a critical developmental phase for Gen Z. “Social restrictions halted their ability to engage, which may have impaired their social skills and capacity to build friendships,” Ulrich explained.

Moreover, rising housing costs may force Gen Z to live with their parents longer, making establishing stable relationships more challenging, according to Twamley.

Conversely, Ulrich suggests that Gen Z may adopt a more cautious approach to relationships, influenced by witnessing their parents’ high divorce rates. “They might prioritize finding the right partner over rushing into marriage,” he remarked.

Twamley mentioned plans for further investigations into these hypotheses, including analyzing the mental health of Gen Z participants not in stable relationships. “Are they lonely because they’re not coupled, or are they not in a relationship due to existing loneliness?” she theorizes.