Live from Axios: Swipe Left, Politics is the New Dealbreaker
Live from Axios: Swipe Left, Politics is the New Dealbreaker
An insight into how political discussions are fast becoming a staple of dating etiquette.
At the recent Axios Politics and Dating event, I joined a vibrant panel with journalist Erica Pandy, Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley, and ClockoutDC's Jade Womack. We dove deep into the complexities of modern dating, where political views aren’t just icebreakers—they’re dealbreakers. The conversation unveiled a surprising trend: many daters now disguise their true political colors just to pass the first-date test, illustrating how charged our romantic battlegrounds have become.
What does the data say?
1. Half of Women Opt to Fly Solo Rather Than Settle Politically
A striking 54% of single women would rather wave the flag of independence than align with someone of opposing political views. A sentiment echoed less fervently by men, with only 38% standing their ground on this issue.
Recent data reveals a stark contrast: 60% of single men feel a relationship would increase their happiness, versus only 40% of single women. This underscores a shift towards women finding fulfillment and joy independently, challenging traditional views on happiness.
The desire to not settle isn’t just female; it’s also about affluence and education. For mass affluent Americans, those earning above $100,000 annually are more likely to prioritize political compatibility (54%) than just 42% of those with incomes below $50,000. For those with high education, 56% of college graduates demand political congruence versus 45% without degrees.
2. Gen Z’s Breaks Taboos & Tests Politics on First Dates
For Gen Z, navigating politics is crucial to swiping left (rejecting) or right (matching). About a quarter discuss politics on the first date, using it as a litmus test for potential compatibility. The stakes are high as nearly 40% of Gen Z and Millennials report that their dates have masked their political beliefs, perhaps a testament to the divisive times we live in.
Women, in particular, feel like they cannot ask men about politics because they will not give a straightforward answer, which is why they are asking proximity questions like, 'How do you feel about Covid? What's your point of view on Travis Kelce?' And depending on how you respond to those, they can indicate where your real beliefs are on that spectrum.
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3. The Breakup Forecast: Nov 5th
We are watching closely as November 5th looms—potentially becoming a top "National Breakup Day.” Over a quarter (28%) of Gen Z/Millennials have already admitted to ending relationships over political disagreements, with another 15% breaking up with someone over who they cast their vote for. This trend underscores the profound influence politics has on the sustainability of relationships.
4. Crossing Party Lines: Lov-ish in the Later Years
Interestingly, as daters mature, their rigidity in political compatibility softens. Nearly half of Millennials and Gen X have ventured into relationships with those of differing political views. This openness peaks among certain demographics, particularly among Millennials, parents, and urban residents.
However, in general, in today's politically charged dating scene, willingness to cross party lines is low: only 56% of Republicans would date a Democrat, and just 43% of Democrats are open to dating a Republican. Both groups, however, are more open to dating Independents, with 82% receptiveness. Meanwhile, only 18% of Americans are in bi-partisan relationships. This highlights how political affiliations are increasingly becoming deal-breakers in romantic relationships.
What’s Next: A Return to Serendipity + Pheromones
Dating is reverting to basics with a twist. Have you heard of the singles night at the national grocery store in Spain, Mercadona, where singles signal their interest with an upside-down pineapple in their shopping carts and bump carts when they find a love interest? Or the intellectual allure of late-night chess matches in LA. These emerging social scenes represent a collective desire to recapture the magic of chance encounters and the inherent joy of discovering common ground amidst our differences without running through the digital resume of your potential lover.
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While the political landscape continues infiltrating dating realms, there’s a palpable shift towards embracing the unpredictability and excitement of traditional courtship and human connections. Whether it’s through quirky pineapple gestures or spirited chess debates, there remains a hopeful narrative that love can indeed cross aisles, one genuine interaction at a time.
In the meantime, enjoy the chase.
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Shout out to Jack Cooney, for leading this report!
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Penned by Libby Rodney and Abbey Lunney, founders of the Thought Leadership Group at The Harris Poll. To learn more about the Thought Leadership Practice, just contact one of us or find out more here.
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