Gen Z and Millennials Prioritize Emotional Intelligence Over Looks, According to New Seeking® Survey
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent survey by luxury dating platform Seeking® reveals a significant shift in dating priorities among Gen Z and Millennial singles, emphasizing emotional intelligence over physical appearance. Conducted among 2,000 U.S. daters, the poll shows that traits such as emotional maturity and kindness have risen to the forefront of what young people seek in partners, surpassing traditional priorities like sense of humor and looks.
The data indicates that nearly one-third of Gen Z women express a willingness to disclose dealbreakers on the first date, demonstrating a preference for transparency in relationships. Furthermore, about 50% of respondents plan to discuss critical issues before date one, highlighting a collective desire for honesty and clarity over ambiguity and games.
According to Seeking® Co-CEOs Dana Rosewall and Brandon Wade, the underlying philosophy is that authentic chemistry stems from honesty, rather than the façade often seen in dating. Though many acknowledge that dating often involves deceit about intentions, a majority of Gen Z singles (66%) actively research their prospective dates online, underscoring their commitment to informed decision-making.
Moreover, the survey reveals that 42% of respondents believe emotional connection is the most enduring form of attraction, while only 18% value physical attraction as the most important trait in a long-term partner. Additionally, shared life goals, such as marriage and children, rank as the top priority for 35% of singles, further signifying a trend towards depth and compatibility over superficial characteristics.
As the landscape of modern dating evolves, the focus on emotional intelligence alerts traditional dating norms, encouraging a more honest and fulfilling approach to relationships. Seeking® aims to promote this paradigm shift with its new "Truth Booth" filter on Snapchat, urging users to engage in real conversations about dating and authenticity.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The Seeking® Survey illuminates a significant cultural shift among Gen Z and Millennials in the dating sphere, where emotional intelligence now trumps superficial attributes. For financial analysts and marketers, this trend opens up intricate insights into consumer behavior that can shape various industries.
As emotional maturity and kindness rise to the forefront of relationship priorities, brands would do well to consider how they can integrate these values into their messaging. Companies that emphasize authenticity and connection in their marketing strategies may resonate more deeply with younger demographics. This shift away from superficiality could signal a demand for products and services that foster genuine experiences—think social platforms that prioritize mental wellness, brands that promote transparency, and even products that encourage open communication.
Moreover, with Gen Z women leading the charge on demanding honesty and transparency, businesses could leverage this information for targeted campaigns. Creating products or services that facilitate genuine interactions could yield significant returns. For example, firms selling dating apps or platforms could explore features focused on emotional intelligence assessments or tools for enhancing communication skills.
From a retail perspective, aligning with this consumer mindset could involve curating experiences that build emotional connections rather than just selling products. Retailers could develop loyalty programs that reward customers for shared experiences or emotional engagement.
Lastly, the emphasis on compatible life goals over income points towards a potential shift in financial planning services. Firms focusing on wealth management could cater to this demographic by promoting services that emphasize shared financial goals for future stability, such as purchasing a home or planning for a family.
In summary, the survey’s insights point to a broader market trend emphasizing authenticity and emotional intelligence, which presents unique opportunities for businesses willing to adapt and align with the values of Gen Z and Millennials.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
From early dealbreakers to prioritizing emotional maturity, young singles are ditching the games and saying exactly what they want.
LAS VEGAS , July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a digital dating world saturated with filters, half-truths and curated profiles, a new survey commissioned by luxury dating site Seeking ® reveals young singles are done pretending. According to the national poll of 2,000 U.S. Gen Z and Millennial daters, radical honesty is the new non-negotiable.
Emotional maturity and kindness now tie as the top dating priorities, outranking both sense of humor and physical appearance. The trait that used to be number one, sense of humor, has been bumped down the list as daters increasingly prioritize long-term compatibility over short-term chemistry.
Gen Z women are leading this shift, with nearly 1 in 3 saying they'd bring up their dealbreakers on the very first date. Another 22% say they'd lay it all out before the date even happens. Their transparency is contagious: nearly half of all respondents, regardless of gender, say they plan to discuss dealbreakers by date one.
People say it's chemistry, but half the time it's just two people lying to impress each other. Real chemistry, that starts with honesty, said Dana Rosewall and Brandon Wade , Co-CEOs of Seeking®. "This survey confirms what we've always believed at Seeking®: "Clarity is more attractive than charm. Lies lead to trust issues while honesty gives you control."
The data shows:
- Emotional connection is the real spark : 42% of singles say it's the kind of attraction that truly lasts in a relationship, far outranking physical chemistry or shared lifestyle.
- Honesty > Games : More than 80% believe people often lie about their dating intentions, but Gen Z is flipping the script, with 66% admitting they research their date online before even meeting.
- Dealbreakers are non-negotiable : More than 1 in 3 singles (36%) say poor communication would end a relationship. Women are especially clear on this, with 50% calling it a dealbreaker, compared to just 29% of men.
- Priorities are shifting : Only 18% of singles say physical attraction is the most important trait in a long-term partner. Instead, 35% rank shared life goals, like marriage and children, as number one.
- Selective, not shallow : While nearly 1 in 4 say they've refused to date someone who earned less than them, 68% say income doesn't ultimately affect their decision. For most, ambition, generosity, and shared values matter more than bank balance.
The era of games, ghosting and "chill vibes only" is fading fast. A new dating generation is making space for what they really want, and they're not shy about saying it.
On July 17 , Seeking® takes the honesty conversation to Snapchat with its new interactive filter, the Truth Booth. This bold new filter dares daters to get real by testing just how transparent they are about love, lifestyle, and what they're truly looking for.
About Seeking ®
Founded in 2006, Seeking ® is the world's leading luxury dating platform, connecting millions of members who value ambition, lifestyle alignment, and direct communication in their relationships. With more than 56 million users in 130+ countries, Seeking ® is built for singles who refuse to settle and empowers them to match with someone who meets their standards.
You Know What You Want. Find It on Seeking™.
Media Contact:
Alysha Swisher
419.351.9881
398104@email4pr.com
SOURCE Seeking.com
FAQ**
How might the emphasis on emotional intelligence among Gen Z and Millennials, as highlighted in the Seeking® survey, influence the hiring strategies of companies like Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI?
In what ways can Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI incorporate the preferences of young daters, as indicated by the Seeking® survey, into their workplace culture to attract and retain talent?
To what extent does the shift towards prioritizing emotional maturity in dating, as shown in the Seeking® survey, reflect broader trends in professional environments like those at Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI?
How can Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI leverage insights from the Seeking® survey to enhance team dynamics by fostering emotional intelligence and transparent communication?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Douglas Emmett Inc. (NYSE: DEI).
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