Why Modern Dating Feels So Hard—And How to Find Real Connection in 2026
Dating in 2025 is unlike any era before. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or even hopeless about finding love, you’re not alone. Recent research reveals that nearly 46% of singles went on zero dates in the past year , and over 53% report experiencing dating burnout [1]. But beneath these daunting statistics lies a roadmap for those who want genuine connection in a world of endless options and digital distractions. The Modern Dating Crisis: What the Numbers Reveal The 2025 Singles in America study —the largest of its kind, surveying over 5,000 adults—paints a stark picture: dating apps promise infinite possibilities, yet nearly half of singles aren’t even making it to a first coffee date[1][5]. Why? Burnout is rampant: Over half of singles say dating feels like a second job, with many describing it as “exhausting” and “dehumanizing”[1]. App abandonment is rising: 32% of people who once used dating apps have quit entirely—not because they found lo...