For many young Indians, being surrounded by people and constantly connected online has not made loneliness disappear. Instead, the challenge is finding relationships that feel meaningful amid demanding work schedules, exhaustion and digital interactions that do not always translate into closeness offline.A Match Group-commissioned Ipsos survey of 1,000 single Indians aged 18–45 highlights this contradiction. While 75% of respondents socialise in person more than once a week, 35% say they feel lonely often or always. At the same time, 70% are actively trying to build new social connections.The pressures of everyday life appear to be a major factor. Nearly two-thirds of respondents prioritise work or studies over their social lives, while 55% say they are too exhausted after completing their daily tasks to socialise. More than half feel connected to people online but lonely in real life. “Young Indians are becoming more intentional about the kind of connection they want,” said Anukool Kumar, Sr. Director, Regional Head, India & Middle East, Match Group.“The research shows that 35% of Indian singles feel lonely often or always, even as 70% are actively working to build new social connections and 72% say they prefer fewer but deeper connections. This points to a strong desire for meaningful relationships, even as busy lifestyles and digital interactions can make genuine connection harder to achieve. Technology can play a role in helping people discover those connections with a goal that ultimately is very human: finding relationships that feel genuine, compatible and meaningful.”The survey also suggests that singles are becoming more selective about the relationships they want. Seventy-two per cent prefer fewer but deeper connections, while 63% would rather continue looking than settle for an imperfect match. This extends to romantic relationships, with 78% believing in true love and 85% seeking a long-term relationship. Among Gen Z respondents, the figure rises to 89%.Dating apps are part of this changing landscape. Forty per cent currently use one, and 63% say these platforms help them feel more connected. However, safety remains important, with 60% expressing concerns about online dating. For many, meaningful connection now depends not on meeting more people, but on finding relationships built on trust, compatibility and shared intent.