A lot has changed in 2020, and the way singles are connecting is no exception. Today, singles are exchanging 40% more messages compared to last year, but how often they’re talking is not the only change we’ve noticed.

Singles are now starting more meaningful conversations – covering topics like health, politics, religion, and sex and family  early on in the game. With this trend in mind, we recently launched #RealTalk: questions designed to help our members skip the boring banter and spark more meaningful conversations, helping singles get to know one another on a deeper level. That’s what they want, after all. And we have the numbers to prove it.

According to a recent survey of over 5,000 Match users:

• 81% want to know more about a potential match’s stance on deeper topics before they can determine their potential 
• 87% are more likely to move things forward after talking about more substantial topics
• 61% would like support in moving from small talk to deeper conversations on a dating app

“All of a sudden, small talk just seems so insignificant,” says Rachel DeAlto, Chief Dating Expert at Match. “The world is facing real issues between the pandemic, social justice movements, and the election. Daters have recognized that this more significant and almost heavy energy is affecting every conversation. It doesn’t mean you can’t start with the weather or debating pour over versus drip coffee, but you won’t stay there long.”

Ready to get real? Add the latest Trending Topic to your profile and see where your next conversation takes you.