Almost 2/3 of singles looking for a relationship in the United States say that dating is harder today than before the pandemic.

Only 3% say it has gotten easier.

Interestingly, daters younger than 30 are much more likely than those ages 30 and older to say dating is more complicated now (71% vs. 58%).

These results are based on a study among almost 10,000 U.S. adults conducted by Pew Research Center.

What is happening?

The pandemic contributed to more loneliness and isolation, especially among singles. 22% of "singles-and-looking" express that the pandemic made them want to find a committed relationship.

However, there's nothing less sexy than risking your physical well-being. Social distancing, mask-wearing, and the threat of catching a deadly disease made it more challenging than ever to meet Mr. or Ms. Perfect.

The rising share of people struggling to find a relationship seems to accelerate the long-term trend of more single adults in the U.S. than ever before.

• In 2019, roughly four-in-ten adults ages 25 to 54 (38%) were unpartnered—that is, neither married nor living with a partner. This share went up sharply from 29% in 1990.
• The growth in the single population is driven mainly by the decline in marriage among adults who are at prime working age.