The digital dating drought: 70% of Kingston students are single

By: Camila Muiambo for The River 07/02/25

Over two-thirds of KU students identify as single, according to a recent survey of over 100 students.

Despite the prevalence of dating apps, 71% said they don't use them. Instead, almost 80% are making efforts to meet people face-to-face, with 44% relying on friends to introduce them to potential partners and a third attempting to meet new people through social events.

However, this seems to be the correct approach, as "don't use dating apps!" was the recurring advice from students who are in relationships. Most couples at Kingston report meeting through friends, highlighting the importance of social networks in our dating lives.

We asked students who were in relationships what the secret to success is. One student said: "Make the first move even if you're nervous, what's the worst that can happen, you're only this young and hot once."

Another student said, "Keep living your life and embrace yourself as much as you can. If you're a bit overly concerned about finding someone, it will happen when it happens. People mostly respond to self-confidence and kindness"

Despite this focus on meeting people in person, reports show that Gen Z has less sex and higher levels of loneliness than other generations.

The reasons for this are complicated, as the dating scene has been influenced by recent societal movements.

The #MeToo movement empowered individuals, particularly women, to establish boundaries and demand respect. While this shift has encouraged more mindful dating interactions, it has also led to a more complex dynamic where some young men feel uncertain about their masculinity. Young men have often been left feeling uncomfortable and unsure of their roles in dating scenarios.

The Covid-19 pandemic also complicated matters. With social distancing measures in place, in-person interactions were discouraged, prompting a surge in inline dating. Yet, as the world reopened, many individuals struggles to rekindle the social skills necessary for face-to-face encounters. The innate human desire for companionship remains, but the way we connect has undeniably changed.

However, as one student said, "Live life and go for it!" You miss all of the shots you don't take, and living life without regrets is important.