Survey Finds Majority of Gen Z Have Tried Manifestation or Psychics to Find Love

A new survey from DatingNews has found that 64% of Gen Z respondents have tried manifestation, consulting psychics, or other mystical approaches in their search for romantic relationships.

The survey points to a broader trend among younger daters turning to spiritual or mystical practices, such as setting intentions through manifestation, reading tarot cards, or consulting astrology, as a way of navigating the uncertainty of modern dating. According to a relationship coach cited in connection with the findings, many young people feel they lack control over their romantic prospects, which drives them toward practices that offer a sense of agency or reassurance.

Uncertainty cited as a key driver

A psychologist quoted in relation to the survey noted that the appeal of these mystical tactics lies partly in the high degree of uncertainty many young people feel about dating today, citing factors such as the unpredictability of dating apps, shifting social norms around relationships, and broader economic and life pressures facing Gen Z. Turning to manifestation or psychics, in this view, offers a way to feel more in control amid circumstances that otherwise feel largely unpredictable.

The findings add to a growing body of research and commentary examining how Gen Z approaches dating differently from previous generations, often blending digital dating platforms with spiritual or alternative practices. Whether such tactics have any measurable effect on dating outcomes was not addressed in the survey, which focused instead on documenting how widespread the practices have become among younger daters.