Fewer members of Gen Z are in steady relationships than Millennials were at the same life stage, according to new UK research that accounts for partners living apart.
Katherine Twamley at University College London led an analysis of national survey data comparing the two generations between ages 16 and 29. In the 2010-2012 round, 57 per cent of Millennials reported any kind of steady relationship. The 2022-2024 round showed 49 per cent for Gen Z.
The drop stems mainly from fewer Gen Z members living with partners. Researchers presented the results last month at the Love, Actually and in Theory conference in Edinburgh.
Maximiliane Uhlich of the University of Basel, who was not involved in the study, noted that Gen Z grew up with social media and smartphones. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic hit during a key developmental period and that higher housing costs keep many living with parents longer.
Twamley said the team will examine whether long-term singlehood affects mental well-being in follow-up work.
