Why Young Adults Are Giving Up on Love and How EdTech Is Harming Student Learning-The Dating Recession: Why Young Adults Are Giving Up on Love

Why Young Adults Are Giving Up on Love and How EdTech Is Harming Student Learning-The Dating Recession: Why Young Adults Are Giving Up on Love

From InfoTrak by TalkZone.com

April 2, 2026

About this episode

The episode discusses the decline in dating among young adults and its implications for relationships and family formation.

Only one-third of young adults are actively dating today, even though most desire serious, long-term committed relationships. Brian Willoughby, PhD, Associate Professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University, blames low confidence in dating skills, reduced face-to-face interaction during adolescence thanks to social media, and the complete erosion of clear dating norms. He said the stakes extend beyond personal happiness; declining dating threatens marriage rates, fertility, and overall family formation in society.

People in this episode

Guest: Brian Willoughby

Topics covered

  • dating
  • young adults
  • relationships
  • social media
  • family formation

Keywords

  • dating skills
  • young adults
  • social media
  • marriage rates
  • fertility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brigham Young University

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