The Bunker – News without the nonsense The relationship recession – Why are so many people going it alone?
Dec 9, 2025
Jonathan Rosenthal, international editor at The Economist, dives into the rise of singlehood and the phenomenon of the 'relationship recession.' He explores how economic pressures, demographic shifts, and dating apps are reshaping social connections. The conversation highlights the effects on fertility rates and housing demands, as well as the potential downsides of AI companions and the pandemic's impact on dating skills. Rosenthal also discusses political polarization as a barrier to relationships, questioning if we can improve modern dating dynamics.
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Economic Forces Drive Singlehood Rise
- Economic pressures like housing, childcare and commuting are driving more people to live alone across the rich world.
- Coupledom is becoming a luxury good: 'lovely if you can afford it, deeply complicated if you can't.'
Emancipation Meets Male Role Stagnation
- Women's greater education and workforce participation has liberated many from dependent partnerships.
- Men in some places have not adapted to shared domestic roles, reducing coupling opportunities.
Apps Turn Dating Into Curated Shopping
- Dating apps increased choice but introduced strict filters that shrink pools of potential partners.
- Small filters like minimum height can exclude large proportions of eligible mates before contact begins.