Cost of living pushes Aussies to embark on extreme dating strategy

A high number of Aussies are swiping right on date prospects just to get free stuff. Picture: TikTok/ iStock Call them fork buddies – a rising number of Australians say they’ve gone on dates with singles they have little interest in pursuing romantically just to score free drinks, food or a concert ticket. In a brazen display of culinary catfishing, a jaw-dropping one in seven Aussie singles admitted they’ve done it, with most blaming rising rents and the soaring cost of living. The number going on dates to score free stuff rose to a jaw dropping 32 per cent of Gen Z, according to the results of an exclusive Finder.com.au national poll. MORE: Eat-in restaurant customers billed for delivery And while some men might assume the practice was one-way since they are still largely expected in our society to pay the bill on a first date, Finder indicated the practice was not relegated to any one gender. A similar proportion of men and women had fessed up to the dating trend, with about half saying free drinks were the motivator. Food remains one of the big motivators for singles to go on dates even when there is a lack of romantic interest. A slightly lower amount said they went on a date ...