According to Corbis’ December Creative IQ Trends report, singlehood is rising in prevalence worldwide. The trend is resulting in an increase of imagery depicting singles, dating and same-gender groups.
Corbis research shows that the number of singles in the U.S. rose from 38 million in 1970 to 90 million today. Only 16% are looking for a partner.
In Europe, the trend is tied to rising costs of living. As young adults choose to live with parents or in shared households longer, they delay marriage and family.
Japan has the highest number of singles than any other industrialized nation. In addition to the prevalence of adults staying at their parents’ homes well into their twenties and thirties, Japanese women continue to choose higher education and employment over traditional roles.
In China, the rise in the number of singles coincides with the growth of middle class. As the country gains economic importance on the global stage, many younger people are choosing to remain single to reap the rewards of disposable income.
Across the globe, younger generations are increasingly focusing on individual pursuits: travel, education and career.