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Gen Z trusts astrology more than science when it comes to love--Survey

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 17:44 GMT by Newsweek
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Gen Z Turns to the Stars, Not to Science, for Relationship Guidance, New Survey Finds

A recent survey released by Newsweek has revealed a striking shift in the way America’s youngest adults—those born between 1997 and 2012—make decisions about love and romance. According to the data, a majority of Gen Z respondents say they trust astrology more than mainstream science when it comes to matters of the heart. The finding challenges the narrative that younger generations are increasingly skeptical of traditional institutions, including religion and the scientific establishment, and underscores the growing cultural legitimacy of astrology in a digitally connected world.

The Numbers That Shine

The Newsweek piece cites a 2,000‑person survey conducted by a market‑research firm in late 2023. While the full methodology was not disclosed in the article, the key take‑aways are clear:

These figures suggest that for many young adults, the birth chart of a potential partner is a more reliable indicator than any scientifically vetted research on relationship dynamics. The survey also found that trust in astrology increased with age within the cohort, while trust in science remained relatively flat across the same age range.

Why the Stars?

Newsweek interviewed a handful of Gen Z participants who offered personal anecdotes that illuminate why the zodiac feels more actionable than statistical studies. “I’ve read a lot of psychology articles, but nothing feels as straightforward as a horoscope,” says 21‑year‑old Maya Patel, a college sophomore in San Francisco. “When I see a horoscope that says ‘you’ll meet someone who shares your values,’ it’s something I can act on.”

The article also highlights a generational shift in how people process uncertainty. Gen Z has grown up in an era of endless data, yet paradoxically it can feel overwhelming. Many respondents indicated that the simplicity of an astrological reading—often reduced to a single sentence—provides a comforting framework in an otherwise complex world.

Psychologist Dr. Lena Kim, who is not affiliated with the study but was quoted in the piece, explains that astrology may appeal because it offers a sense of control. “When you’re navigating relationships, having a clear ‘prediction’ gives you a narrative you can follow,” she says. “Science, on the other hand, tends to present probabilities and variables that can feel less definitive.”

Social Media Amplifies the Trend

Newsweek traces the rise of astrology from niche forums to mainstream platforms. TikTok’s “Astrology” hashtag currently garners millions of views, while Instagram reels and YouTube channels dedicated to horoscopes have amassed large followings. The article points out that many of the most‑viewed content creators are themselves Gen Z, which helps create a sense of peer endorsement. A quote from the popular TikTok influencer @StellarSue—who claims to have 1.4 million followers—underscores how the community’s social proof reinforces astrology’s credibility: “When all of your friends are saying ‘Yes, I’m a Virgo, that’s why we’re meant to be together,’ it feels right.”

The article links to a 2022 study from the Pew Research Center that noted a spike in the use of astrology apps among millennials and Gen Z. The current Newsweek piece builds on that by suggesting the trend is not only about entertainment but also serves a functional role in decision‑making.

The Science Perspective

While the Newsweek article focuses on the popularity of astrology, it also addresses the scientific community’s perspective. Astrologers are quoted as dismissing the lack of empirical evidence, arguing that the “meaningful patterns” in the sky can still guide personal insight. In contrast, scientists emphasize the importance of evidence‑based practices, citing research on attachment theory and communication skills as more reliable predictors of relationship success.

The article cites a 2021 meta‑analysis published in Psychological Bulletin that found no statistically significant correlation between astrological signs and marital satisfaction. It also references the American Psychological Association’s statement that astrology is a pseudoscience. However, the article makes it clear that despite these critiques, many Gen Zers view astrology as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for scientific advice.

Intersectional Nuances

The survey’s data also reveal important intersectional differences. Women and non‑binary respondents were more likely to trust astrology (73%) than men (61%). Among racial demographics, white participants reported a slightly higher trust in astrology (70%) compared to Black (58%) and Asian (55%) respondents. Newsweek notes that the creators of the survey plan to explore these disparities in follow‑up studies.

The article also touches on how astrology intersects with other forms of identity. Some respondents reported using astrology to explore gender identity and sexuality, citing horoscopes that emphasize fluidity and self‑acceptance. In this sense, astrology functions as a cultural touchstone that can align with contemporary discussions around intersectionality.

The Takeaway

Newsweek’s article underscores that the influence of astrology on Gen Z’s romantic choices is not a fleeting fad; it is a robust cultural phenomenon rooted in the broader trend of personalized content consumption and the search for meaning in a data‑heavy environment. While science remains the backbone of academic and medical research, for many young people it feels like a distant authority—something that exists in textbooks and laboratories, but not on the wall of their bedroom or in the scrolling feed that accompanies every midnight.

In an era where mental health, authenticity, and social media are inseparable, the stars seem to be a familiar guidepost. Whether this trend will persist as Gen Z ages or will give way to a more evidence‑driven approach remains to be seen. For now, Newsweek’s survey offers a snapshot of a generation that, perhaps surprisingly, looks up to the sky for love more than down to the laboratory.