Why Many Singles Do Little for Dating - Fear of being single fuels desperate dating habits, study reveals
A recent study has uncovered how fear of being single drives dating behaviour, particularly among those with low self-esteem. Researchers surveyed 990 people to explore the link between loneliness, self-worth, and the effort put into finding a partner. The findings suggest that anxiety about solitude often pushes individuals to pursue relationships more aggressively—regardless of their actual interest in a potential match.
The research, led by Menelaos Apostolou alongside Elli Michaelidou, Burcu Tekes, and Antonios Kagialis, examined multiple factors affecting dating success. Among 990 participants—568 women, 412 men, six non-binary individuals, and four who did not specify gender—one key pattern emerged: those who feared being single invested significantly more effort into dating. This behaviour held true across genders, with no notable differences in how men and women responded to the fear of loneliness.
The study highlights how personal insecurities shape dating habits, with fear of loneliness acting as a primary motivator. Those who dread solitude tend to chase relationships more persistently, while individuals with stronger self-esteem approach dating with less urgency. The findings offer insight into why some people prioritise partnership over personal fulfilment in their romantic lives.
