The only study of Latinos in college conducted by a dating app shows that most students are concerned about rising gun violence, 75% think racist-themed books shouldn’t be banned from public schools, and 48% of Latinos think so that mental health has an impact over their sex life.

DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Chispa by Match Group, the leading dating app for Latino singles in the United States, presents its highly anticipated second annual research study, Latine in College ). ), in collaboration with Dr. Jake Beniflah, executive director of the Center for Multicultural Science. This groundbreaking study examines the behaviors, attitudes, and cultural influences that shape the lives of Latin American college students while uncovering exciting insights into technology, security, politics, social values, mental health, sexual behavior, and language use.

The number of Hispanics between the ages of 18 and 24 enrolled in universities has increased significantly, rising from 1.2 million in 2005 to 2.4 million in 2021.¹ while the number of Hispanic college graduates is expected to exceed 4.0 million by 2026.² “This partnership with Chispa has given us a better understanding of an understudied but highly influential demographic: Generation Z Latino college students,” said Dr. Jake Beniflah, Founder of the Center for Multicultural Science. “His perspectives on technology, culture and social issues offer fascinating insights into their intersection with love, relationships and dating. Our results show that this group is not only actively influencing the dating format of the future, but also influencing broader societal norms.”

Based on responses from 1,000 Hispanic Gen Z college students, both those who use dating apps and those who don’t, the study provides a comprehensive examination of this group’s perspectives on pressing social issues.

Key findings from the research include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR): a doorway to limitless fantasies
The ubiquitous influence of artificial intelligence and virtual reality is undeniable, redefining the way we interact, work and even live. But what role does it play in shaping our dating and relationship experiences?

• 73% of Latino college students remain virgins and use AI in their love lives. They haven’t used AI-powered chatbots, but 46% believe AI can help generate dating ideas.
• 79% totally agree VR can put them in fun and exotic environments, while 31% of Latin American college students say AI allows them to live out their sexual fantasies without being judged.

Gun Relationship: Security or Second Amendment Rights?
What do Latin American college students think about guns? The majority (80%) do not see a partner’s possession of a gun as a “sticking point”.

• While more than half (56%) of Latino college students believe in the 2nd Amendment, 88% believe in conducting background checks to buy a gun, and 84% believe in increasing mental health funding should, in order to reduce gun violence.
• 56% of students are concerned about starting a family because of gun violence in our country, although one in five (18%) say they currently own a gun.
• 40% grew up in families with guns.

Elections and social attitudes: tradition or future vision?
With the year 2024 we start another election year. What do Gen Z Hispanics think about some of the “culture wars” issues that are being discussed?

• 40% of Latino college students fear a backlash against racial and ethnic minorities as a result of the 2024 election, and 39% are unsure who to vote for.
• 75% of students don’t believe books dealing with race should be banned from public schools.
• Immigration is a hot topic once again: 3 in 4 believe healthcare should not be denied based on immigrant status, and 65% believe undocumented immigrants should be allowed to work in the US.

mental health and relationships
According to the study’s findings, Latino students acknowledge that mental health issues affect their relationships and sex lives.

• 64% of Latino college students agree mental health affects enjoyment of a relationship, and 48% say their mental health affects their ability to enjoy sex.
• However, 48% of college students say sexual activity helps them improve their mental health.

Sexual Awakening Despite Cultural Stigma
The subject of sex is still considered taboo in many traditional Latino families. However, in this study we see that college students are more open about their sexual desires and push the boundaries of social norms.

• 74% of college students have not had to suppress their sexual desires in the face of cultural expectations. 56% have engaged in sexting with their partner and 49% have explored the option of sharing intimate photos with their partner.
• One in three Latinos would like to experience roleplay (32%) and fetishism (32%); while 28% want to have a threesome.
• The most common sexual behaviors among students are sexting (56%), sharing photos (49%), using sex toys (29%), faking orgasms (28%) and tapping each other in the bedroom (27%).

Linguistic use: moving away from Spanish
Latino college students use Spanglish more often than Spanish or English. Will Spanglish soon become the second most spoken “language” in the US?

• 73% of Latinos in college use Spanglish in their social lives, while 67% do it at home and 61% at work.

“Chispa is committed to highlighting Latino singles in the United States, and to that end it is important to understand the rapidly changing dynamics within the Latino Generation Z demographic,” said Julia Estacolchic, senior director of marketing at Brand for Spark. “They not only represent a significant part of our user base, but also have transformative power in shaping the future.” , highlighting the influence of social and political issues and the development of sexual dynamics in the lives of Latino college Generation Z. We hope this will promote a deeper understanding of this group and encourage more dialogue.”

About Spark
Chispa is the largest US Latino dating app with 8 million downloads with a mission to help Latinos connect with singles of similar backgrounds, cultures and communities. Chispa is a Match Affinity dating app developed in 2017 by Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), a leading provider of dating products designed to increase the likelihood of users finding a meaningful connection, including Tinder, Match, Hinge , OkCupid and more. The Chispa app is available in English and Spanish on the iOS App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.chispa-app.com and follow @ChispaApp on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More information about the Center for Multicultural Science
Founded in 2010, the Center for Multicultural Science is a leading nonprofit, nonpartisan multicultural market research think tank and talent accelerator for underrepresented students in Los Angeles. His vision is to challenge the status quo and help American businesses prepare for a multicultural America through research and data science.

¹ https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/05/significant-educational-strides-young-hispanic-population.html#:~:text=(Figura%202).-
² https://www.hacu.net/hacu/HSI_Fact_Sheet.asp

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SOURCE Spark