According to a recent survey by BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, 43% of Black Gen Z daters are currently practicing celibacy. Black Gen Z women are taking the lead in the journey of celibacy, with 64% embracing this lifestyle choice. Interestingly, most of these women are new to the journey, with 63% having adopted it in the past six months. If that doesn’t signal that celibacy is a rising trend in today’s dating pool, I don’t know what will.
The shift reflects a growing focus on personal development and mental wellness among young Black daters. The survey found that the top reasons for choosing celibacy include personal growth and self-discovery, as well as frustration with the toxic dating culture.
Here are the key survey findings:
- 43% of Black Gen Z daters are practicing celibacy.
- 64% of Black Gen Z women are celibate, with 63% having been celibate for less than six months.
- 61% cited personal growth or self-discovery as their primary reason for celibacy.
- 66% reported improved mental and emotional well-being due to celibacy.
- 87% said celibacy has positively impacted their dating life or made no difference.
- 1 in 3 Black Gen Z daters believe celibacy is becoming more accepted, though 43% still feel there is a stigma within the Black community.
Personal Growth
The trend towards celibacy among Black Gen Z singles is often driven by a desire for personal growth and improved mental health. As the data shows, most young Black daters are choosing celibacy to focus on self-discovery and personal development. In many ways, celibacy can help people build a stronger sense of self and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Such clarity is necessary for peaceful dating experiences.
According to a Psychology Today article, voluntary celibacy is becoming more common among adults, with about 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men choosing to take a break from sex and dating altogether. The Black Gen Z population is a part of a much broader movement.
Similarly, a WebMD article revealed some insights about celibacy. Many people reported that sex was a distraction or preoccupation, and abstaining from sex has helped their minds remain clear. Others have even reported that sex causes stress and that they are happier without having to worry about it. While celibacy is becoming more accepted among Black Gen Z daters, with 1 in 3 feeling that it’s gaining acceptance, 43% believe that stigma or misunderstanding still exists within the Black community. These individuals are redefining what it means to date and thrive in relationships and simultaneously challenging societal norms.
Johnathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK, shared insight on the cultural shift of celibacy, saying, “What we’re seeing with Black Gen Z singles is more than just a dating trend. It’s a movement towards personal empowerment and emotional well-being. This generation values authenticity and reclaims its narratives, prioritizing self-discovery over societal expectations. The rise in celibacy speaks to their desire for healthier relationships, both with themselves and others, and that’s a powerful statement.”
Celibacy is a personal journey that focuses on the individual rather than their dating prospects. It’s about embracing self-worth, nurturing mental health, and prioritizing emotional well-being. By understanding what you truly want from your dating experience, celibacy teaches us that a healthy relationship starts with a healthy self.
