A recent survey by OkCupid, conducted in partnership with advocacy group It’s On Us, has shed some light on shifting attitudes toward consent, communication, and sexual assault awareness among singles, with Gen Z emerging as the most vocal generation when it comes to discussing boundaries. This doesn’t just apply offline, but also online, with many online dating app users putting extra emphasis on consent for even simple intimate conversations.
The survey, conducted in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, gathered responses from over 500 users on the dating platform. Among its key findings, a significant majority of singles – 75% – said they always talk about boundaries before becoming intimate, while 24% said they sometimes do. Gen Z respondents led the way, with 82% reporting that they consistently have these conversations.
The results suggest that open discussions around sexual preferences and boundaries are becoming normalized, especially among younger users. According to the data, 78% of singles agree that it’s typical to talk about likes and dislikes before hooking up, while 93% say they are completely honest in their dating profiles.
The conversation is also extending beyond romantic contexts. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported having discussions about sexual and domestic violence with friends or family. Gender differences were also notable, with women 10% more likely than men to engage in these conversations.
Despite encouraging trends, the survey highlights ongoing concerns. A strong majority – 83% – believe colleges should be doing more to prevent sexual assault, with 93% of recent graduates (ages 25–34) in agreement. Additionally, 72% of participants said they think the government should play a larger role in prevention efforts.
