Survey says 31% of Gen Z date for free meals as living costs rise

United States, Thekabarnes.com—In the U.S., more and more of Gen Z are seeing dating not just as a way to have fun. It is also seen as a way to deal with the stress of rising costs.

A recent survey by Intuit found that 31% of Gen Z respondents in the US said they had gone on a date just to get a free lunch. Compared to all adults, the number hovers around 26%. This indicates a greater impact on younger generations.

The results are from Intuit’s Cuffing Economy research, which looks at how rising living costs, stagnant income, and inflation are changing the way young adults act. Especially when it comes to romantic relationships, these factors play a major role.

Money problems affect how people date

Economic stress appears to be a significant factor influencing dating behaviors. Reuters reported on a Bank of America survey that found that more than half of Gen Z respondents indicated they don’t spend any money on dating in a typical month.

When dating budgets are basically nonexistent, an invitation to dinner can seem like a beneficial way to save money on regular costs. Experts say that this procedure is not new, even if it poses moral problems and is in a moral gray area. Additionally, scholarly research has recorded analogous behavior since 2019. However, the size of the problem has changed.

The current cost-of-living issue is characterized by high inflation, rising rent, and expensive food. This has led to a rise in the prevalence of previously marginalized behaviors. For a lot of Gen Z, dating is not about fancy dates or expensive gifts anymore. Instead, for many Gen Z individuals, dating now primarily revolves around finding means to survive in a financially challenging economy.

Sociologists and economists think that this transition signifies more extensive structural difficulties rather than individual opportunism. They say that dating for free meals is not so much about tricking someone as it is about adapting to a time when money is tight.

This phenomenon is indicative of a broader economic strain

The trend is clear: Gen Z is changing the rules of dating to make them more affordable, open, and practical. As young people deal with economic insecurity, cheaper dates, shared fees, or clear expectations are becoming increasingly popular.

The growth of “dating for free meals” is a sign of a bigger problem. The cost of living crisis is making it harder for younger people to establish friends, make choices, and plan their futures.

This conduct is not just a passing fad; it is a sign of long-term economic pressures. These pressures will probably change the way people date for a long time.