OKX survey finds Gen Z pays dates with crypto

A January Pollfish survey commissioned by OKX found that 13% of Gen Z Americans have paid for a date using cryptocurrency, highlighting tentative real-world use of digital assets in social settings.

The poll of 1,000 US adults showed that while younger respondents are open to crypto payments, many non-users cited the lack of a direct and simple payment method as the primary obstacle.

Interest extended beyond spending, with 31% of Gen Z participants saying they would find receiving crypto as a Valentine’s Day gift appealing, and 76% identifying financial literacy as an attractive trait in a partner.

Despite that enthusiasm, only 29.5% of respondents said they currently own or previously owned crypto assets, underscoring a gap between curiosity and everyday adoption.

Between 52% and 55% of participants said familiarity with digital assets and wallets could enhance someone’s appeal, though just 17% overall believed holding crypto specifically makes a person more attractive.

The findings suggest digital asset awareness is increasingly viewed as part of broader financial competence among younger cohorts, particularly Gen Z and Millennials.

However, crypto’s role in modern romance remains complicated, with regulators such as the US Federal Trade Commission warning about rising crypto-related romance scams amid growing use of artificial intelligence tools like chatbots and deepfakes.