3 in 4 people are more likely to swipe right on a dating app if you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, new survey says
Baby Boomers and Generation Z have one thing in common, and you may be surprised about what it is. Read on to find out more.
There are many reasons why you may not be compatible with someone when it comes to your love life.
Your romantic partner might prefer mountain trips while you want a relaxing vacation on the beach. Or they might want five children while you prefer raising fur babies instead. But what about our preferences when it comes to education level?
The researchers at Grand Canyon University looked to uncover these answers in a recent survey on the impact education has on our love lives.
According to the survey, nearly 70% of respondents said it’s important to be intellectually challenged by their partner, and 3 in 4 respondents said they prefer dating someone who is their intellectual superior.
But this preference changes generationally, and some are more open than others.
For the older Baby Boomer respondents, dating an intellectual superior was a must, but for Gen Zers, 36% wouldn’t mind dating someone who’s intellectually inferior to them.
When it comes to just how educated you are, dating preferences change drastically. Those who’ve obtained a master’s degree are pickier about their partner's intelligence and alma mater—43% of master degree holders would judge a potential partner based on where they graduated college.
It’s no surprise that someone would typically date another person that’s in their education bracket. Varying education levels may mean different life experiences, views, or values. While one person emphasizes the importance of money and financial security, someone else may think the most important thing in life is experiences and adventures.
And the survey results reflect just that: People who ended their education at the high school level gravitate toward those who finished at that same level. A doctor may find more compatibility with another person who has a PhD.
However, education level isn’t the only important factor in a relationship. Many people feel drawn to those who have their same belief systems, and who value the same things as they do.
When asked about their most important dating criteria in a romantic partner, respondents had varying answers. According to the university, “overall, the largest percentage of respondents across age and gender say that religion and political affiliation are the most important factors determining compatibility with a partner, with women more concerned about these factors than men. However, deep dives by specific demographics reveal other important factors.”
Perhaps the most interesting insight from this survey is the intersection of values between Baby Boomers and Generation Z. These two generations couldn’t be further apart in age, yet one thing is clear from both age groups: Religion and political affiliation are the most important criteria for dating.
But while Baby Boomers might trend toward more conservative views, Generation Z has shifted progressively. Gen Zers, who’s oldest members are now 24-years-old, are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation. They are more progressive and pro-government, opposing their elder Baby Boomers in many political areas.
While these two generations are focused on political and religious affiliations, Generation X is focused on the money. In fact, Generation X prioritizes earning potential and careers more than any other generation surveyed. In contrast, the formerly most educated generation, Millennials, prioritize educational attainment most.
So all in all, will your education affect the matches you receive on a dating app? Well, yes, it actually does.
In fact, 3 in 4 respondents said they are more likely to match with someone on a dating app with a bachelor’s degree or higher. And for those with master’s degrees, the standards are even higher—roughly 90% of master’s degree holders said that a college degree would encourage them to swipe right. Dating app users may want to consider putting their education level and alma mater for more matches, especially Millennial ones.
You can view the full report here.
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In a small town surrounded by dusty roads and silent fields, two boys grew up with the same dream—to become the best runners their country had ever seen. Their names were Ayaan and Rohan, and from the outside, their lives seemed similar. They attended the same school, ran on the same broken track, and dreamed under the same open sky. Yet the paths they took, and the lessons they would teach the world, were very different. From an early age, Rohan was known as “the gifted one.” He ran faster than everyone else without much effort. Teachers praised him, classmates admired him, and coaches spoke about him with pride. His stride was smooth, his breathing calm, and his victories came easily. People said he was born to run. Talent, they believed, lived in his blood. Ayaan, on the other hand, was ordinary. He ran slower, tired faster, and often finished near the back. No one applauded his efforts. No one called him special. But Ayaan had something few noticed—an unbreakable determination. 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