The Gen XY Lifestyle
Unlocking the Heart of Asia: 4 Major Dating Trends Revealed
Understanding dating preferences can reveal a lot about societal norms and individual priorities.
Lunch Actually, a dating service in the Asia region, has conducted a comprehensive survey across six countries, shedding light on the diverse dating cultures and trends.
he survey covers significant areas such as financial dynamics in partnerships, openness to interracial dating, personal preferences, and dating app use, offering a fascinating glimpse into the hearts of singles across Asia.
The survey’s findings not only highlight the regional differences but also underscore the shared challenges and aspirations of singles in their quest for meaningful connections.
From progressive attitudes toward financial equality to the varied acceptance of interracial relationships, the data presents a rich tapestry of cultural norms and individual preferences that shape the dating landscape.
Progressive vs. Traditional Financial Views
The survey found significant differences in attitudes toward financial equality in relationships. In Hong Kong, 52 percent of women respondents are willing to date lower-income men, reflecting a highly progressive outlook. In stark contrast, only 25 percent of Indonesian respondents share a similar openness, highlighting one of the most conservative attitudes in the region. Thailand stands out with 97 percent of respondents willing to date higher-income women, while only 36 percent of women are open to dating lower-income men. Meanwhile, 38 percent of Malaysian respondents express openness to date lower-income men, indicating a more traditional perspective. These findings emphasise the influence of cultural norms on financial dynamics in relationships.
Openness to Interracial Relationships
Acceptance of diversity in dating, including openness to interracial relationships, varies significantly across the surveyed countries. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan lead the way, with 84 percent, 81 percent, and 81 percent of respondents, respectively, displaying significant cross-cultural acceptance. Hong Kong and Thailand also demonstrate diversity-friendly attitudes, with 70 percent and 76 percent openness, respectively. Singapore shows notable openness at 66 percent, although it is considerably lower compared to other countries. This contrast highlights that multiculturalism alone does not guarantee greater openness to interracial relationships. Cultural attitudes, societal norms, and individual preferences play crucial roles in shaping dating behaviors.
Unique Partner Preferences
The data highlights country-specific preferences in dating partners. Income level is most essential in Taiwan (78 percent) and Indonesia (73 percent), demonstrating a preference for financial stability. In contrast, body type is a top priority in Thailand (85 percent) and Taiwan (75 percent), but it holds significantly less relevance in Indonesia (44 percent).
“These findings show how cultural, societal, and personal priorities shape dating criteria and preferences,” said Violet Lim, CEO and Co-Founder of Lunch Actually Group. “While technology has transformed dating, certain priorities and preferences remain the same for singles when it comes to finding the right one,” she adds.
Dating App Usage Trends
The report sheds light on the uptake and attitudes regarding dating apps in the region. Taiwan stands out with the highest daily usage of dating apps at 25 percent, highlighting a strong reliance on technology for dating.
However, in all other countries surveyed, daily usage has dropped significantly, with less than 15 percent of users reporting daily engagement. Specifically, Singapore reports 12 percent, Malaysia 13 percent, Hong Kong 10 percent, Indonesia 5 percent, and Thailand 8 percent.
This indicates a declining trend in the daily use of dating apps across most Asian countries surveyed. Regarding the duration of usage, Malaysia has the greatest percentage of participants using dating apps for over a year (62 percent), while Hong Kong has the lowest reported long-term usage rate at 38 percent.
Challenges and Frustrations
Primary reasons for using dating apps also vary, with Hong Kong (14 percent), Thailand (13 percent), and Taiwan (15 percent) having the highest usage rates for casual relationships.
In contrast, Indonesia (57 percent) and Singapore (53 percent) use dating apps primarily to find serious relationships, reflecting users’ focus on meaningful connections rather than casual dating.
Despite technological advancements, challenges and frustrations persist. In Indonesia, 43 percent of respondents express strong concerns about fake profiles or scams, while 36 percent of Singapore respondents feel that dating apps lack genuine connections. Nearly all countries agree that the effort they put into dating apps rarely leads to satisfying outcomes, with very low percentages reporting positive results. Specifically, Singapore (1 percent), Malaysia (10 percent), Hong Kong (1 percent), Indonesia (3 percent), Thailand (3 percent), and Taiwan (0 percent) believe their efforts are rarely rewarded.
Predictions for 2025
Looking ahead, Lunch Actually predicts a continued evolution in the dating landscape. More technology-driven matchmaking is on the horizon, with AI-driven compatibility matching and virtual reality dating experiences. A shift toward serious relationships is also anticipated, as features focusing on long-term connections become more prevalent. Financial stability will continue to matter, especially in markets like Taiwan and Indonesia, where dating apps may incorporate features allowing users to share more about their financial status. Increased diversity and authenticity will be emphasized, with dating platforms catering to a broader range of preferences and implementing more rigorous verification processes to combat concerns about fake profiles and trust issues.
Graphics credit to Lunch Actually.
