Extramarital dating app reveals 148% surge in women users in India: Are modern marriages dying?

India's love for lifelong bonds and grand weddings feels timeless, but dating apps seem to be changing this narrative. This extramarital dating platform just crossed 4 million users - a quiet revolution in a land where affairs whisper shame. Men continue to lead at 65%, but it’s the 148% jump in women users over the past two years that has really caught people’s attention.

Read on to understand the data behind this daring shift in love, relationships and marriages in modern times:

According to the data shared by the dating app - Gleeden, men still make up the majority of users at 65%, while women make up 35%. But the real highlight is the 148% rise in women sign-ups in just two years! This shows that women are no longer staying on the sidelines; instead they are now making bold decisions. Whether it’s in Bengaluru or Mumbai, women are choosing stability and security in their primary partners while looking for sparks elsewhere.

The 2025 IPSOS survey paints a poignant picture of why people have affairs. It’s not always about malice; often, it’s about "time poverty." Between crushing corporate ladders and family obligations, 33% of people feel they simply have no time for themselves. When you combine that with a lack of emotional connection, the allure of a discreet digital escape becomes hard to resist. Many are swiping during lunch breaks just to feel a fleeting sense of thrill.

The old stereotype that only men have extra-marital affairs is officially over, it seems. The data shows a near-even split, with 43% of men and 42% of women admitting to having emotional or physical affairs outside of marriage. This shows a major cultural shift where women feel equally entitled to seek fulfillment outside a stagnant marriage.

Interestingly, nearly half of those surveyed also admitted to having fantasies. This makes one wonder if the traditional idea of a marriage is over in modern times.

As per the data, metros like Bengaluru and Hyderabad top the list with most affairs. But Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Surat are also catching up. The timing is fascinating: Most people use the dating app during lunch hours (Noon-3 PM) and late at night (10 PM-Midnight).

Another interesting thing to note from the data is that while men often look for youngern partners (women aged between 25-30 years), women prefer established professionals like doctors and CAs in their 30s and 40s. This shows that even in the world of secret flings, financial stability remains important for many.

Social media and easy connectivity have made the "exit door" much easier to find. Over 60% of people blame the ease of online flirting for the rise in infidelity. These apps provide a safe, discreet harbor for those feeling emotionally adrift or physically hungry. As the stigma fades and the user base hits the 4 million mark, it's clear that for many Indians, the "sacred" is becoming spicy, and vows are bending without necessarily breaking.

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