Gen Z Turns to Spiritual Practices in Modern Dating

Young singles are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional dating advice, turning to spiritual and psychic practices for insight into their romantic lives. Recent data suggests that uncertainties in modern relationships might be fueling this trend.

According to a poll by DatingNews, 64% of Gen Z participants have attempted spiritual or manifestation-based methods for love. Conducted by Cherry Data Signals in August, the survey of 1,013 U.S. adults revealed practices such as consulting psychics, using crystals, and reading tarot cards are popular. This interest may stem from the dissatisfaction with modern dating, where apps offer numerous potential partners but little clarity on relationship directions.

Spiritual rituals provide a reflective framework amid the chaos of dating apps, as explained by Dr. Dakari Quimby, a clinical adviser at Marietta Springs in Georgia. “Symbolic systems” can lend dating a sense of intention and emotional coherence, he elaborated. The multitude of choices online may not lead to more satisfaction and can leave daters feeling emotionally drained.

Gen Z’s Shift Toward Spirituality

A prior Newsweek analysis highlighted how some Gen Z daters rely on astrology for romantic compatibility. The Harris Poll’s report on Gen Z and Religion found 51% of respondents meditate or engage in rituals, with 49% participating in manifestation and 30% using astrology or tarot. Additionally, 67% pray frequently, and nearly half attend religious services. These results indicate a blend of traditional and non-traditional spiritual practices among this generation.

The Appeal of Spiritual Practices in Dating

Modern dating involves constant evaluation of profiles, response times, and behavior as red or green flags. Kirill Liakh, managing director of the app Hint, stated that even thorough analysis might not reveal why connections succeed or fail. Practices like astrology can offer a language to explore such questions without requiring literal interpretation. A survey by Hint in July noted that 56% of singles had tried to stop analyzing people through red and green flags due to mental exhaustion, and 61% found this approach limited their understanding of a person.

Astrology and similar practices allow individuals to understand relationships more personally, providing a framework where evaluating others isn’t necessary. Liakh emphasized that spiritual and self-reflection tools might persistently intersect with digital dating, as people seek personalized ways to comprehend relationships.

Understanding Astrology and Rituals

Licensed therapist Cheryl Groskopf pointed out that the uncertainty of dating can leave individuals seeking answers when promising connections abruptly end. In such cases, tarot readings or compatibility charts might be enticing, offering a sense of control. These practices can mitigate feelings of helplessness, particularly for Gen Z, who are accustomed to dating apps and social media advice on compatibility.

Although these tools provide another framework for understanding relationships, intellectual comprehension does not always ease emotional uncertainty. Being ghosted or receiving mixed signals often compels people to search for answers.

Potential Risks of Spiritual Practices

Experiencing uncertainty can trigger threat responses in the nervous system, especially for individuals with past experiences of inconsistent affection or emotional unavailability. A ritual can offer a small predictability in unpredictable times. Yet dependency on these practices during anxiety or uncertainty in relationships might raise concerns.

Rituals can aid reflection, but Dr. Quimby warns against treating compatibility charts as conclusive evidence that overrides behavior, consent, or safety. Experts generally agree that these practices appeal not as magical solutions but as ways to navigate uncontrollable experiences.