Photos and Dating
Do Men Still Want Relationships? What 2026 Data Actually Says
Do men still want relationships? Many do. A 2026 UK survey of 3,007 singles found 52% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Z want a life partner or long-term relationship, and only 8% of Gen Z want something casual. The problem is less that men don't want commitment and more that dating apps make it hard to find the ones who do.
What the surveys say
Spark Study (Match Group, October 2026, UK). [1]
- 52% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Z want a life partner or long-term relationship. Gen X was at 34%, Boomers at 14%.
- Only 8% of Gen Z want something casual.
- 56% of app users have had a relationship with someone they met on an app.
- 52% neither asked anyone out nor were asked out in the past year.
Hily T.R.U.T.H. report (October 13, 2026, US). Hily surveyed 3,500 heterosexual Gen Z daters. 44% had used a dating app out of fear of being single. 18% of Gen Z men and 25% of women said they had entered a relationship because they were afraid of being single. [2]
Tawkify (November 5, 2026, US). In a survey of 631 singles, 72% of recent app users were burned out (81% of women, 66% of men). 69% wanted to meet someone in real life, and half of app users named conversations that never lead to dates as a top frustration. [3]
All three are company surveys from businesses that sell dating apps or matchmaking. Read them as signals. Together they suggest many young men want relationships, but the process is wearing everyone down.
Why it can feel like men don't want commitment (original)
- On apps, the men who message most are not always the ones looking for something serious.
- Men who want hookups often message more, so they are more visible.
- Commitment-minded men may be burned out and less active.
- Many people avoid asking anyone out at all. [1]
Filters that find commitment-minded men (original)
On apps
- Use the relationship-goal fields, and set yours clearly.
- Write one line in your bio: "Looking for something real."
- Move to a short video call and a date within a week or two.
- Notice who makes plans versus who chats forever.
Offline
- Repeat activities: classes, clubs, volunteer groups.
- Friends' introductions, which many singles trust more than apps. [3]
- Events built around shared interests.
Questions that reveal intentions (original)
- "What are you looking for right now?"
- "What did your last relationship teach you?"
- "Where do you see yourself in a few years?"
- "What does a good weekend look like for you in a relationship?"
Clear, unbothered answers are a good sign. Vague ones ("just seeing what happens") are information too.
Signs he wants a relationship
- He makes plans in advance
- He introduces you to friends
- He talks about the future casually
- He is consistent
- He asks about your goals
A two-week test (original)
If you are on apps, try this for two weeks:
- Update your bio with one clear line about wanting something real.
- Only reply to men who ask you a real question.
- Suggest a video call or date within the first week of chatting.
- Track who follows through.
Many women find that the men who want commitment show themselves quickly when the process moves fast.
Don't settle out of fear
Hily's data shows many people date out of fear of being single. [2] A man who wants commitment but is wrong for you is not better than waiting. Clear standards help you spot real fits faster.
Quick answers
Are Gen Z men more serious than Millennials? The Spark Study found similar levels, around half for each. [1]
Why do men say they want something serious then ghost? Some are unsure, some are dating many people. Watch actions over words.
Should I put "no hookups" in my profile? A positive version works better: "Looking for something real."
The bottom line
Survey data shows about half of young singles want long-term relationships, including many men. Use clear filters, move quickly from chat to date, and look offline too. The men who want commitment are out there; you just need to make it easy for them to find you.