Marriage, children, conventional beauty – all these seem to be things of the past when it comes to modern day dating. Or so it seems if one were to go by a survey conducted by OkCupid, an online dating platform. OkCupid surveyed an average of 86,000 Indians between the ages of 25 and 35 on aspects of present day dating, and results are quite interesting.
For instance, 72% of those surveyed said that traditional gender roles are not important in a romantic relationship, and 89% said that they would consider a serious relationship with someone who couldn’t have children. Further, 68% of those surveyed felt that marriage was not a necessity for two people who loved each other.
“Instead of being told what to do, or having other people choose for them, young, single Indians want to make their own choices based on the connection they share with a person. They are in no hurry to ‘settle down’ or ‘compromise’ until they feel comfortable with their choice. As the first generation of Indians to seek financial independence over marriage, and having access to ideas and opportunities without the limitations of geography, Indian millennials have a clear idea of who they are and what they want from life,” OkCupid noted.
There was also an indication of the shift in thought processes and priorities of youngsters, as 92% of the respondents – 80% men and 75% women – said that their values and priorities varied wildly from their peers and families. In the same vein, 98% women said their values were different from their parents, compared to 90% men.
Most respondents didn’t mind meeting potential partners online either (69% men and 56% women), as compared to friends and family setting them up. However, since the survey was conducted on the OkCupid platform itself, as much acceptance of the same may be assumed as well.
More women said they found intelligence more attractive than looks with only 8% female respondents favouring physical appearance as compared to 13% men. 9% of the respondents skipped this question.
Further, contrary to the perception that millennials and young adults today are too self-involved and do not prioritise family, 90% of those surveyed said that they would choose family over friends, with 91% men choosing that option as compared to 86% women.
While these responses may seem heartening, there are some studies that have found Indian youth to be conservative in many respects, such as opposition to homosexuality, and preferring religion over science. A study by Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and Lokniti that came out in 2017, for instance, found that of the 6,122 people between ages 15 and 34 surveyed, a majority disapproved of even dating before marriage (63%) and a little less than half were against inter-caste marriages too. However, even this study found that there was a decline in the number of people believing in the necessity of marriage with just 52% according it that importance.
This survey was part of OkCupid’s first 360-degree brand campaign in India. Based on the same, they have launched ‘Find My Kind’, a TVC that focuses on the individual choice that millennials seem to value most according to their survey.