Why It’s More Difficult to Date Than Ever in Canada, Despite the Increase in Availability and Choice
An examination of current data reveals shifts in marriage and dating patterns in Canada, raising questions about the difficulty of dating despite technological advancements that theoretically enhance social connectivity. The mean age for the first marriage in Canada was recorded at 30.7 years in 2020, according to Statistics Canada, indicating a trend towards later marriages. Coupled with the data showing a consistent decline in marriage rates, with 4.4 people out of 1,000 getting married and the percentage of families with married parents falling from over 83% in the 1980s to 64.6% in 2021, a complex picture of changing social norms around relationships emerges.
Despite the availability of dating websites in Canada, which provide platforms for individuals to meet potential partners, these trends towards later marriage and decreased marriage rates persist. This scenario implies that access to digital means of meeting does not necessarily translate into increased rates of long-term relationship formation. Data from the 2021 census highlights that married couples represented 77% of all couples, a decrease from 94% in 1981. Moreover, the number of divorces in Canada provides another lens through which the dynamics of relationships can be viewed. Over 62,000 divorces occurred in 2023, compared to just over 56,000 in 2019 and 42,000 in 2020, illustrating changes in the permanency of marriage.
The evolving nature of personal relationships in Canada is further elaborated by attitudes towards marriage. A large portion of the Canadian population, 53%, views marriage as not necessary, while 42% still see it as a necessity. This divergence in perspectives potentially contributes to the complex social fabric within which dating occurs. Additionally, the birth of online dating promotes relationships across different education levels and immigration status, showing a shift in how individuals find and select partners. Notably, online dating decreases the likelihood that people will partner with someone of a different age and does not promote interracial dating compared with offline dating.
The influence of technology on dating patterns and preferences cannot be overstated. With the number of dating app users rising to 366 million in 2022, the digital platform has become a primary means for individuals to connect. Owned by Match Group, 22 dating sites and platforms, including Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, OK Cupid, and Plenty of Fish, offer varied venues for meeting potential partners. This abundance of choice, however, introduces its own set of challenges. While technology facilitates initial connections, the data suggests it may not lead to an increase in long-term relationship formation, including marriage.
The impact of online dating on relationship dynamics is multifaceted. On one hand, it promotes relationships between people of different education levels and those of different immigrant status, potentially broadening the dating pool. On the other, it decreases the likelihood of partnering across different age groups and does not notably encourage interracial relationships. This subtle effect underscores the complex relationship between access to potential partners through technology and the resultant outcomes in personal relationships.
Furthermore, attitudes towards dating and marriage have shifted, with an increasing number of Canadians viewing marriage as optional rather than essential. Broader social changes, including an emphasis on individual career and personal development, changes in gender norms, and the perceived permanence of relationships may influence this shift. The increase in the average age at first marriage further illustrates this trend towards prioritizing individual life goals ahead of marital commitment.
