The 3rd Annual Dating App-Led Research Study
Highlights Inflation's Grip on Gen Z Latines, Evolving Views on
Immigration, War, and Rising Mental Health Concerns
DALLAS, Aug. 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Match Group's Chispa, the #1 dating app made for
Latin singles in the United
States, in collaboration with the Center for Multicultural
Science, releases the highly anticipated third annual "Latine in
College 2024" study. This comprehensive study provides critical
insights into the experiences and perspectives of Hispanic college
students aged 18-24, shedding light on the impact of current
economic, social, and political issues on their lives.
Latino students represent most of the nation's growth in college
degree attainment, according to a recent Excelencia in Education
report. Latinos accounted for the vast majority, 79%, of the 4%
overall increase in degree attainment over the last five years.
"The significant strides Latinos are making in college degree
attainment are commendable, but it's crucial to recognize the
challenges they continue to navigate," said Dr. Jake Beniflah, Executive Director of the Center
for Multicultural Science. "This year's Latine in College Study
with Chispa underscores the complex realities that Latinx college
students face today, from financial burdens to evolving social
dynamics."
Conducted in June 2024 with a
nationally representative sample of 1,040 Hispanic college students
– both dating app and non-app users – this study aims to understand
the myriad challenges faced by Gen Z Latine students today.
Key Findings Include:
Side Hustle Generation: Gen Z Latines and Impact of
Inflation
The overall well being of today's college-age
Latine is significantly impacted by financial pressures. Due to
inflation:
- 58% worry about paying for college tuition, a significant
concern that underscores the financial burdens on students. 49%
have a side hustle not aligned with their academic goals.
- 41% feel more burdened by debt than ever before. 45% less
willing to pick up the full tab and 39% less willing to split the
bill.
- 63% of students spend more time connecting virtually before
meeting in person, indicating a shift towards more cost-effective
dating practices.
- 58% have considered dating someone well-off due to financial
pressures, and 55% have considered dating someone older.
Immigration and Dating: Love Knows No
Borders
Immigration issues deeply affect the lives and
relationships of college students, intertwining with their personal
beliefs and family dynamics.
- 41% believe their families would approve of them dating an
undocumented immigrant, indicating a degree of familial
acceptance.
- 69% oppose mass deportation, reflecting strong humanitarian
concerns.
- 41% stress about a loved one potentially being deported,
showing the personal impact of immigration policies.
Global Conflict and War: Campus Divisions Deepen
The
impact of global conflict and war is profoundly felt by college
students, affecting their mental health, social relationships, and
campus life.
- 51% of students set boundaries to protect their mental health
from negative news, and 68% doubt a safer future, indicating
significant concerns about global security.
- 33% have cut ties with people in their lives over differing
views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the impact
that global conflicts can have on personal relationships.
- 51% believe colleges should take stronger stances on safety and
hate speech, while 44% have witnessed hate speech.
Future Outlook and Politics: Are Young Latinos Eyeing an Exit
Post-Graduation?
The perspectives of Gen Z Latinos on
politics and the future reveal a mix of optimism and uncertainty.
While a majority are hopeful about the future for Latinos, many
express concerns about the direction of the country.
- 36% plan to move out of the country after graduation due to
concerns about the future, reflecting a significant sense of
uncertainty.
- 59% are optimistic about the future for Latinos, yet 49%
believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
- 44% believe the country will be worse off in four years, yet
41% feel it is better off today than four years ago.
Affirmative Action: Do Gen Z Latinos Find Affirmative Action
Unfair?
Gen Z Latinos hold diverse and nuanced views on
affirmative action with opinions about diversity, fairness, and the
impact of policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities.
- 49% support affirmative action to ensure diversity. 48% believe
affirmative action should also include groups
like LGBTQ+.
- 35% observe less diversity in the freshman class since the
Supreme Court's reversal.
- 51% think affirmative action should not be solely based on race
or ethnicity.
- 44% view affirmative action as unfair to some students with 39%
believing it perpetuates stereotypes. 38% say it would alter their
perception of a classmate's capabilities if they benefited from
affirmative action.
"Young Latinos are deeply impacted by the intense pressures of
today's world. The financial strain of inflation, the heartbreak of
witnessing their loved ones facing potential deportation, and the
weight of global conflicts profoundly shape their dating
experiences and ability to make real connections," said
Julia Estacolchic, Senior Director
of Brand at Chispa. "Gen Z Latinos are navigating a complex
landscape, balancing hope and hardship, and striving to find
stability and purpose amidst the chaos. At Chispa, we are dedicated
to standing with them, understanding their struggles, and providing
a platform that truly supports their journey toward meaningful
relationships."
To further reinforce Chispa's commitment to young Latinos, a
donation is being made to four prominent organizations to be used
towards scholarships and to provide resources for Latino students:
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), The Hispanic
Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Aprende Institute,
and Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF).
About Chispa
Chispa is the largest dating app made for
US Latinos, with 10 million downloads and the goal of helping
Latinos create new connections with singles from similar
backgrounds, cultures, and communities. Chispa is a Match Affinity
dating app created in 2017 by Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), a leading
provider of dating products designed to increase users' likelihood
of finding a meaningful connection, like Tinder, Match, Hinge,
OkCupid, and more. The Chispa app is available on the iOS
App Store and Google Play, both in
English and Spanish. For more information visit www.chispa-app.com
and follow @ChispaApp on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram.
About The Center for Multicultural Science
Founded in
2010, The Center for Multicultural Science is a leading non-profit,
non-partisan, multicultural marketing research think tank and
talent accelerator for underrepresented students in Los Angeles. Its vision is to challenge the
status quo and help corporate America prepare for a multicultural
America through research and data science.
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SOURCE Chispa