Mumbai: Juleo in partnership with YouGov, surveyed over 1,000 singles from the top eight Indian cities to understand the current trends in Indian matchmaking. The Juleo-YouGov Indian Matchmaking 2024 Report reveals key insights on the challenges singles face, including the lack of in-person meetings, safety concerns, and the mental health impact of using dating and matrimony apps.

The report shows that two out of three individuals who use dating or matrimony apps and websites have never met their matches in person, indicating a lack of real-life connections. Common reasons include the inability to find suitable profiles and ghosting.

An alarming 78 per cent of female respondents reported encountering fake profiles on these platforms. Women express a strong desire for better privacy controls, with 74 per cent of all respondents stating that their profiles should only be visible to those they choose. Additionally, 82 per cent of women believe government ID verification is necessary for dating or matrimonial platforms, emphasising the need for safety measures.

The report also highlights the emotional and psychological toll of online matchmaking. Nearly half of all respondents experience mental health challenges from using these platforms. The pressure to make a great first impression is significant, with 62 per cent feeling stressed to maintain witty conversations. Furthermore, three out of four women feel overwhelmed by their experiences on dating or matrimony apps. The endless swiping feature adds to their woes, with 70 per cent finding it futile.

Clinical psychologist & TEDx speaker, Kamna Chhibber commented, "Relationships are challenging in modern times. The availability of too many choices and options can become a deterrent in building significant partnerships. Additionally, safety can get compromised as individuals seek to contact and meet more people. Building mechanisms for exploring relationships in a manner that is safe and which protects them - physically, emotionally and psychologically - is critical."

Juleo’s founder-CEO, Varun Sud said, “The report shares the deep pain faced by the youth today in pursuit of love. Face-to-face conversations and in-person meetings form the core foundation of genuine relationships. Milne se hi baat banti hai. We have hence started a global movement through Juleo to change how singles find love in a safe, trustworthy and responsible manner.”