172: Why Gen Z Dating Is In Decline and How To Fix It
Podcast Guest: Brain Willoughby
March 17th, 2026
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In this Episode
In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale welcome Dr. Brian Willoughby to talk about why modern dating feels harder than ever. Drawing on research, Brian explains how dating norms have weakened, why many young adults want marriage but feel unprepared to pursue it, and how fear, anxiety, and lack of experience are reshaping the dating landscape. He also discusses the rise of dating apps, AI companions, on-demand relationship expectations, and the harmful effects of pornography on intimacy and long-term connection. Along the way, Brian offers practical guidance for parents, hopeful perspective on marriage and divorce statistics, and encouraging advice for singles who feel discouraged.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:03 – Brian Willoughby joins podcast
01:27 – Why people delay marriage
03:28 – Why dating feels harder
05:24 – Dating apps and rejection
07:50 – Fear and dating anxiety
08:36 – Marriage and divorce trends
10:11 – Dating rates are declining
12:27 – Teens dating less today
13:11 – Lost dating skill development
15:56 – Digital communication limits skills
16:45 – Reality shows distort dating
17:42 – Divorce rates and hope
20:21 – On-demand relationships explained
22:55 – AI companionship concerns
25:19 – Why AI feels appealing
27:30 – Warning signs about AI
28:14 – Marriage predicts wellbeing
30:37 – Easy isn’t the answer
31:30 – The marriage paradox
33:20 – Marriage seen as loss
35:36 – What parents should do
36:00 – Teach and model skills
36:55 – Monitoring technology matters
38:24 – Positive marriage messaging
40:46 – Advice for singles dating
41:02 – Keep going and grow
42:45 – Dating resilience matters
43:15 – Pornography and relationships
44:20 – Unrealistic intimacy expectations
46:32 – Where to find Brian
47:25 – Key to strong marriage
Insights
Brian's
Dating isn’t just hard today—it’s harder than it has been for previous generations. Young adults need grace, understanding, and support as they navigate a dating culture that makes finding relationships more difficult than ever.
Liz’s
Modern dating is more difficult than ever, so young adults need empathy, patience, and support as they navigate today’s challenging relationship landscape.
Dave's
Meaningful relationships require intentional effort. The easy, on-demand path may feel good short-term, but real connection takes planning, work, and commitment.
About Brian
Dr. Willoughby's research generally focuses on how adolescents, young adults, and adults move toward and form long-term committed relationships, focusing on young adult development, couples dynamics, marriage, cohabitation, marital beliefs, and sexuality. Dr. Willoughby is also currently the Director of the RELATE Institute. RELATE Institute is a non-profit organization with the specific tasks of developing research and outreach tools that can be used directly with the public and that can be used to gather information about relationships.
Brian's Resources
https://wheatley.byu.edu/brian-willoughby
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