With the growing concerns around climate change and environmental issues, conversations around nature and saving resources have become dinner table discussions. In India, while Millennials have been known to promote environmental activism, it’s now the Gen Zs who are also taking the conversation forward. In fact, environmental activism is a huge part of their dating life, and their concern for the cause is becoming a deciding factor when it comes to choosing a partner or who they want to date.
The ‘Green Dating’ trend is gaining traction in India as people are making more values-driven dating decisions and have an increased appreciation of the outdoors thanks to park walks and pandemic-induced alfresco dating.
Data from Bumble, the women-first dating app, shows that ‘environmentalism’ ranks as one of the top value interest badges to Bumble profiles in India. In fact, of those who recently added value interest badges to their dating profile, over a quarter (28%)* selected ‘environmentalism’.
Research from Bumble conducted last year also found that post-lockdown, single Indians are now planning to keep first dates ‘active’ with a walk in the park or an outdoor picnic. ‘Walk in the park or around the neighbourhood was one of the top choices for ideal first dates for single Indians per Bumble’s recent research*.
Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble shared, “Compatibility is crucial in forging healthy and equitable relationships, which is why we want to empower people on Bumble to openly discuss things that are important to them. We added interest badges to profiles so that you can showcase your lifestyle, values, and causes that you can champion like environmentalism, human rights, and feminism among other social causes.
“Despite the challenges, we’ve seen a number of positive dating trends emerge from the pandemic, and ‘Green Dating’ is one that we hope to see continue in 2022. Now more than ever, people are looking to connect with those that share their values and priorities. It is encouraging to see people thinking about how the environment is important in all aspects of their lives including dating.”
