logo
Gen Z More Concerned About Political Differences in Dating Than Millennials

Gen Z More Concerned About Political Differences in Dating Than Millennials

Newsweek11-06-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Gen Z really prioritizes a certain compatibility factor when it comes to dating, a new study has revealed.
The generation born between 1997 and 2012 stands apart from older generations in the dating landscape, exhibiting a higher concern for political alignment in potential partners, according to a study from eHarmony. This shift suggests that for many young adults, political views are not a preference, but a fundamental compatibility factor.
Newsweek spoke to clinical psychologist Dr. Hannah Holmes about the findings and how she sees them reflected in her own practice.
Stock photo: A couple watches a news broadcast together.
Stock photo: A couple watches a news broadcast together.
gorodenkoff/Getty Images
The study, which surveyed 500 people "open to dating," explored main dealbreakers in dating across the U.S. and found that "28 percent of Gen Z said having different political views could lead them to turn down a date," compared to 21 percent of millennials and 21 percent of Gen X. This notable difference highlights a generational divide in what is considered a "dealbreaker" in romantic relationships.
Holmes shed light on why Gen Z might be more sensitive to political alignment.
"Gen Z grew up hearing stories about couples—or even seeing their own parents or family members—separating due to differences in political and social beliefs," she said. "Many of them see it as a serious sign of lack of compatibility, rather than a minor difference in opinion."
This trend, Holmes suggested, comes down to the integration of politics and core values and beliefs for the younger generation.
"Politics aren't just abstract concepts for many Gen Z-ers, but instead ways of understanding reality, with real-world consequences," she said. "Understandably, this means that a misalignment in politics is understood as a misalignment of core values, which is typically considered a relationship dealbreaker."
Other Dealbreakers in Dating
Beyond politics, the eHarmony study also uncovered other generational differences in dating priorities.
Millennials and Gen X appear less willing to relocate to find love compared to Gen Z—19 percent of both millennials and Gen X said they are not willing to relocate anywhere for love, compared to 12 percent of Gen Z.
Furthermore, Gen Z have a higher preference to date within their social circle compared to millennials.
Regarding the importance of political compatibility in long-term relationship satisfaction, Holmes noted scientific research to support that political compatibility leads to more satisfaction in relationships.
However, she emphasized that "political agreement is not the final word on compatibility, and with good communication and mutual respect, there are couples with differing political views who can have happy and satisfying relationships."
For those who discover political differences early on with someone they like, Holmes advised caution rather than an immediate dismissal.
"Generally, if a person meets someone great who is politically different from them, I would recommend proceeding with caution instead of immediately jumping ship," she said. Key considerations include "what are the specific disagreements? Do they fundamentally misalign with your view of the world and morality, or are they minor differences of opinion?" Holmes added. "Whether or not they respect your views and communicate maturely about political topics is...[a] crucial consideration for whether they'll ultimately make a good romantic match."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Columbia University Settles Legal Battle With Trump Admin: What To Know
Columbia University Settles Legal Battle With Trump Admin: What To Know

Newsweek

time5 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Columbia University Settles Legal Battle With Trump Admin: What To Know

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Columbia University has agreed to pay a $200 million fine to settle its months-long legal fight with the Trump administration, the New York Times reported, citing a statement from the Ivy League school. The fine marks a major victory for the Trump administration in its ongoing battles with elite universities over their admissions policies, student activism on campus and a range of other issues. In Columbia's case, the administration alleged that the New York City-based university failed to do enough to stop the harassment of Jewish students on campus. The deal between the university and the Trump administration clears the way for Columbia to get back hundreds of millions in federal funding in exchange for paying a fine, according to the Times. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

Mike Lindell Reacts After Appeals Court Victory Over 2020 Election Claims
Mike Lindell Reacts After Appeals Court Victory Over 2020 Election Claims

Newsweek

time35 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Mike Lindell Reacts After Appeals Court Victory Over 2020 Election Claims

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A federal appeals court delivered a win to MyPillow founder Mike Lindell on Wednesday, ruling he does not have to pay a $5 million award to a software engineer who challenged Lindell's claims that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals found that an arbitration panel exceeded its authority in awarding the money to Robert Zeidman, a Las Vegas-based engineer who participated in Lindell's 2021 "Prove Mike Wrong Challenge." "It's a great day for our country," Lindell said in an interview following the decision. "This is a big win. It opens the door to getting rid of these electronic voting machines and getting paper ballots, hand-counted." Lindell has been a leading voice in promoting claims that the 2020 election was rigged, despite more than 50 failed court challenges from allies of President Donald Trump and clear statements from Trump's own Justice Department rejecting widespread fraud. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell exits the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell exits the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. Associated Press As part of a "Cyber Symposium" Lindell hosted in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he promised $5 million to anyone who could prove that the packet capture data he released were not from the 2020 election. Zeidman submitted a 15-page report debunking the data and, after contest officials refused to declare him the winner, he filed for arbitration. A panel of three arbitrators—including one chosen by Lindell—ruled in Zeidman's favor and awarded the $5 million. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim later upheld the decision, despite calling the contest rules a "poorly written contract." However, the appeals court disagreed. In its ruling, the 8th Circuit said the arbitrators strayed beyond the contract's clear terms. "Whatever one might think of the logic of the panel's reasoning, it is contrary to Minnesota law. ... Fair or not, agreed-to contract terms may not be modified by the panel or by this court," the court wrote. The case was remanded to the lower court with instructions to vacate the award. Zeidman's attorney, Brian Glasser, criticized the ruling and encouraged the public to evaluate the original arbitration decision for themselves. "Judge for yourselves if the Eighth Circuit's decision today is more persuasive, or rings in truth louder, than the unanimous contrary decision of three arbitrators who heard all the evidence, including one appointed by Mr. Lindell," he said. The ruling comes amid a string of legal battles for Lindell. Just last month, a Colorado jury found him liable for defaming a former voting machine company employee by accusing him of treason, awarding $2.3 million in damages. Lindell is appealing that verdict as well, claiming it was a personal loss and not one for MyPillow, which was not held liable. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.

Man Who Came to US at Age 2 Detained by ICE
Man Who Came to US at Age 2 Detained by ICE

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Man Who Came to US at Age 2 Detained by ICE

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A 21-year-old Virginia Tech student who has lived in the United States since he was 2 years old and is in the process of applying for a green card was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment. Why It Matters President Donald Trump campaigned on mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, specifically targeting those with violent criminal records, and his administration ramped up immigration enforcement since his return to office in January. Recent polls, however, suggest some Americans are turning on Trump's immigration policy amid reports that individuals with no criminal records or nonviolent offenses are being targeted. The administration said it deported around 100,000 illegal immigrants in the initial months of the presidency. Many individuals have been deported following Trump invoking the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been criticized and blocked by judges. What To Know On July 9, Cristian Romo-Bermejo attended a going-away party for his friend. During the party, his friends believed he began to have a panic attack, and he asked for an ambulance, Blacksburg-based news station WSLS reported. His sister, Carina, said police arrived with the ambulance, and he told them that he did not have legal status. Police allege that Romo-Bermejo threatened medical staff and assaulted officers while at the hospital. His sister told WSLS that he "has no criminal record" and is "not a violent person." Romo-Bermejo, from Mexico, is married to a U.S. citizen, Jadyn Yost, who says he is in the process of applying for a green card. She told WSLS that they plan to seek cancellation of removal once the criminal case is settled. ICE responded to his arrest in a statement first reported by WSLS, writing that Romo-Bermejo was "illegally present" in the U.S. and was "charged with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer." "On July 13, the Montgomery County Jail honored the ICE detainer and transferred custody to ICE Washington, D.C. who served Romo-Bermejo a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge. Romo-Bermejo will further be held in custody without bond as he is subject to mandatory detention under the Laken Riley Act," the statement reads. ICE records reviewed by Newsweek show that he remains in custody at the Farmville Detention Center in Farmville, Virginia. A man holds a sign that reads "Love your immigrant neighbor" during a protest in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. A man holds a sign that reads "Love your immigrant neighbor" during a protest in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. DAVID PASHAEE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images A GoFundMe campaign for Romo-Bermejo has raised over $33,000. "Cristian is not a criminal. He is not a threat. He is a husband, a friend, a classmate. He is a person who shows more strength and dedication than most of us will ever be asked to. This country is the only place he has ever known, and now he is locked away from all of it," the GoFundMe reads. There have been numerous reports of migrants living in the U.S. being detained amid Trump's immigration crackdown. For instance, a Michigan mother of two is facing deportation after reporting an alleged assault to her local police. A Brazilian man living in Florida with a valid Florida ID and work permit was detained while visiting the Grand Canyon last month. What People Are Saying Cristian Romo-Bermejo's wife, Jadyn Yost, told WSLS: "He was disoriented and scared and begging to be taken to a hospital to get help. He wasn't trying to cause harm." Attorney John Fishwick told WSET: "The fact that he's being held, they may be taking the position that he's an illegal citizen and therefore we want to remove him from this country." Eduardo Zelaya, Virginia's organizing director at immigration advocacy group CASA, said in a statement: "The illegal and inhumane criminalization of Cristian is yet another example of rising authoritarian ideals that are being adopted and implemented in our commonwealth of Virginia. He experienced a health emergency and should have received care and compassion, not handcuffs and detention." What Happens Next Romo-Bermejo's next immigration hearing is scheduled for August, reported Lynchburg news station WSET. His family and legal team plan to seek cancellation of removal once the criminal case concludes.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store