19 March,2026 02:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
Relationships have evolved so much ever since online dating took over, and now more people are getting the clarity about why they want to be on dating apps.
Dating apps are only for casual encounters and timepass, said no one in 2026.
According to Indian dating app, QuackQuack's Intent Clarity Report, there's a massive spike in the intent and clarity aspect among the 24 to 35-year-old user base. The survey shows that 57 per cent of daters clearly explained that they do not use the app for timepass, but rather with a clear intention to explore meaningful connections, both romantic and platonic.
The findings are from an online study conducted by the app among 10,475 active daters aged between 20 and 35 across Tier 1 and 2 cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Pune, Ahmedabad, and more. The survey results show that Gen-Z and Millennials are redefining the purpose of dating in 2026 with a more direct and self-aware approach.
The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, "Dating apps are increasingly turning into a safe space where young users not only find their perfect partner but also find themselves. They are now far more self-aware than ever, and they express their emotional and relationship needs early, some even clearly mentioning them in their bios. We see some users explaining how they are unsure about their expectations, and anyone matching with them needs to be a little patient and kind while they sort things out. This is not blatantly demanding things but rather making sure that there's transparency from the very beginning."
According to the survey, 36 per cent of Indian singles on the dating app between the ages of 20 and 30 are seen addressing their unresolved issues in their bios. In 2026, bios are less about witty one-liners but more about disclosing concerns that might cause misunderstandings in potential connections. From "finally ready to give and receive love" to "finding my relationship goals," the app reported that users are not afraid to be bluntly honest. There's also a rise in "dating with purpose" and "not here just for chats." This shift shows how, for modern daters, clarity is not intense; it's rather attractive.
Among 5,345 participants shared an interesting user-made filter; they call it the 'First-Week Checkpoint'. Around 7 in 10 daters decide within the first week of interaction whether the connection is worth emotionally investing in or respectfully letting go is the better option. It is not impatience; modern daters are efficient, and they don't want to stretch an aimless connection. For this, users don't have a rigid checklist, nor is the filter one-size-fits-all. While some decide based on lifestyle preferences and career goals, others prioritise values, relationship expectations, and long-term plans. Aditya (28), a lifestyle vlogger, said, "This early clarity has saved me from getting into the situationship limbo many times."
The intentional approach has led to a faster online-to-IRL conversion of relationships. According to the survey, 28 per cent of respondents from Tier 1 and 2 cities said that while dating apps start the conversation flowing, if a match shows promise, they are more likely to take the connection to the real world sooner. The survey shows that 6 out of 10 users meet a connection showing potential within the first month of chatting. Anika, a 32-year-old lawyer, commented, "Modern dating is not impulsive, it's thoughtful. We are being clear about everything from the beginning, diving in the deep end early on, and even the meetups are to better understand the chemistry, because a very long chatting phase can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations."
