In April the Pew Research Center released survey results that show most single Americans — 56% — are not looking for relationships or even going on casual dates. That number is up from 50% in 2019, according to Pew.
The data shows only 32% of single Americans are actually looking for committed relationships. And 70% say their dating lives are not going well at all.
The findings are troubling, because research has found time and again that marriage is good for people and for society as a whole.
In February the Survey Center on American Life reported that married Americans are more likely to have a satisfying social life and a larger group of close friends. The center also found married Americans are more satisfied with their personal health than their single peers.
A 2016 article published by Harvard Health Publishing noted that marriage is tied to living longer, having fewer strokes, and better mental wellbeing.
Other research has shown that close relationships — including healthy marriages — keep people happy and healthy throughout their lives.
In spite of that, the Survey Center on American Life also noted that 34% of Americans who have never been married “say they have no intention of ever doing so.” That is a troubling statistic.
Scripture tells us we are meant to live in relationship with each other and with our Creator — and research increasingly verifies that fact.
Good relationships and good marriages are part of human flourishing. We ought to do what we can to promote good marriages in Arkansas.
