Millennials and GenZ increasingly view infidelity as a path to emotional fulfillment, with societal pressures on monogamy questioned by majority of respondents.
New Delhi, 4 July 2025: Gleeden, the world’s largest extramarital dating app created by women for women, has released the findings of its latest nationwide survey exploring shifting perspectives on love, marriage, and infidelity among GenX, Millennials, and GenZ Indians. Conducted by global research firm IPSOS across 12 tier-1 and tier-2 cities, the survey sampled 1,510 individuals aged 18-60, providing fresh insights into how attitudes towards relationships are evolving in modern India.
The survey marks a milestone for Gleeden, which recently surpassed 3 million Indian users since launching in 2017. According to Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager, Gleeden India, the research reinforces the platform’s observations: “Emotional fulfillment and the freedom to choose are central to meaningful connections. Indians across generations are challenging traditional norms and seeking relationships that reflect their changing emotional realities.”
Key findings include:
Work-life balance and infidelity: 33% of respondents identified lack of quality time with family as a driver towards infidelity. Millennials (42%) lead this segment, reflecting the pressures faced by India’s working population.
Emotional disconnect: Despite many claiming happiness and sexual satisfaction, 51% said they lack emotional connection with partners. GenX (55%) reported the highest levels of emotional disconnection, followed by GenZ respondents, 49% of whom were dissatisfied with physical intimacy.
Infidelity in practice: 43% of men and 42% of women admitted engaging in either physical or emotional infidelity, with GenX (52%) most likely to have experienced both.
Openness to infidelity: 58% said they are open to infidelity if it helps them stay emotionally fulfilled, and 45% believe it can reignite passion in stagnant marriages. Notably, 47% of married respondents agreed infidelity could sometimes save a relationship.
Views on monogamy: 61% overall—and nearly identical shares of women (62%) and men (61%)—believe humans are not naturally wired for monogamy, suggesting societal pressure plays a decisive role in sustaining monogamous relationships.
Open relationships: 41% of respondents said they are receptive to their partners suggesting an open relationship, while 35% admitted to already being in one.
Role of social media: 68% cited social media as a key enabler of infidelity by providing increased opportunities to connect, and 64% admitted to flirting online despite being in relationships.
The survey highlights a growing willingness among Indians to question traditional relationship models, with Millennials (50%) and GenX (50%) in particular challenging the idea of lifelong monogamy and citing societal expectations as a major influence.
Conducted in May 2025, the study reflects a significant shift in how love, loyalty, and emotional needs are understood in contemporary India. It shows an emerging trend towards openness and flexibility in relationships, reshaping the cultural landscape of intimacy for GenX, Millennials, and GenZ alike.
