Insights from the Jay Shetty Podcast episode “Couples Therapist: The Real Reason Gen Z Stopped Dating | Esther Perel”, published July 20, 2026.
The decline in Gen Z dating stems from a loss of 'friction' and the atrophy of social skills caused by digital isolation. By replacing real-world, embodied encounters with contactless, screen-based interactions, young adults are missing the essential training ground for intimacy, leading to a state of 'ambiguous loss' where physical presence no longer guarantees emotional connection.
Topics: Gen Z, Dating, Social Psychology, Digital Loneliness, Relationships