Science Friday Mating, Marriage, And Monogamy In The Age Of Apps
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Feb 14, 2026 Justin Garcia, evolutionary biologist and Kinsey Institute director, studies human mating and dating. He talks about why so many adults are single today. He explores how women’s independence, online dating, and longer courtships shape relationships. He also covers pair bonding, rising interest in consensual non-monogamy, and practical tips for dating apps.
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Record High Single Population
- Almost a third of U.S. adults are single, a historically unprecedented number with big social and economic implications.
- Justin Garcia says this reflects more flexibility: prolonged courtship and easier exit from relationships change population mating dynamics.
The Rise Of Slow Courtship
- People now spend far longer in courtship phases before formalizing relationships compared with decades past.
- Garcia argues slower dating gives individuals more choice and increases movement in and out of singlehood.
Women's Independence Reshapes Marriage
- Women's increased economic independence reduced marriage as a necessity and reframed it as a choice for joy and companionship.
- Garcia links shifting labor roles to lower pressure to marry quickly or for survival.
