New Delhi: Weddings in India are still celebrated with great pomp and anticipation of a lifelong union, but data from an extramarital dating app is challenging this tradition. This platform named Gleeden has recently crossed the figure of more than 40 lakh users. The most surprising thing in this is the increasing number of women.
According to the app, men constitute 65% of the total users while women constitute 35%, but in the last two years there has been a huge increase of 148% in the sign-ups of women. This data shows that women are now taking active decisions for their happiness and emotional needs instead of silently tolerating it. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are at the forefront of this trend.
According to the 2025 IPSOS survey, affairs do not always have bad intentions. Many times this happens due to “lack of time”. Between the hustle and bustle of job and family responsibilities, 33% people are unable to find time for themselves. Lack of emotional connection is also a big reason. Many people come to the app during lunch break or at night just to feel some relief and thrill.
Earlier it was believed that only men have outside relationships, but now this perception is changing. In the survey, 43% men and 42% women admitted to having emotional or physical affairs. This shows that women have also started looking for fulfillment outside stagnant marriage. Almost half the people also talked about fantasies, which raises questions about the concept of traditional marriage.
This trend is highest in big cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai, but tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Surat are also growing rapidly. Most people use the app from 12 noon to 3 am and from 10 pm to midnight.
Men often prefer young women of 25-30 years, while women are attracted to established professionals like doctors or CAs of 30-40 years. This shows that financial stability is still important.
More than 60% people consider the ease of online flirting as a reason for increasing affairs. These apps provide a safe and secure space for people who feel emotionally or physically dissatisfied. As stigma diminishes and the user base crosses 40 lakh, traditional promises are becoming flexible for many Indians.
