The Intelligence from The Economist Home alone: the relationship recession
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Nov 11, 2025 
This discussion features Jonathan Rosenthal, Editor of the international section at The Economist, who analyzes the rise of singlehood and its socio-economic impacts. Su Lin Wong, Asia correspondent, reveals falling marriage rates in Asia, while Josh Spencer, Asia news editor, delves into the intriguing world of AI companionship. Callum Williams, Senior economics writer, explains why tobacco companies thrive despite declining smoking rates. Together, they explore deep societal changes, the allure of AI friends, and the paradox of a thriving tobacco industry.
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Generation Single Is A Long-Term Trend
- Singleness has doubled among young adults in five decades, reflecting a long-term societal shift.
- The pandemic and structural changes in dating accelerated the recent spike in involuntary singlehood.
Screens Reduce Organic Meeting Places
- Increased screen time reduces in-person social encounters that historically produced partners.
- Less time at bars and with friends lowers chances of meeting long-term partners.
Curated Dating Narrows The Pool
- Dating apps expand choice and allow highly specific preferences that dramatically shrink the eligible pool.
- Curated filters like height or politics can eliminate large segments of potential partners.