Feeld data links nerd culture hobbies to higher rates of polyamory

Data from the dating app Feeld suggests a correlation between nerd culture hobbies and a higher likelihood of practicing polyamory or ethical non-monogamy (ENM).

According to the findings, tabletop gamers are 65 percent more likely to be non-monogamous than non-tabletop gamers. Similarly, users practicing ENM or polyamory were 80 percent more likely to be video game fans compared to monogamous users. Other notable correlations include sci-fi fans being 83 percent more likely, comic readers 50 percent more likely, and anime and cosplay fans 38 percent more likely to be non-monogamous.

Experts suggest that the skills required for certain hobbies may overlap with the requirements of non-monogamous relationships. For example, tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons require rule-following, scheduling, and boundary setting. Dating expert Hunt Ethridge noted that D&D involves vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving, which may translate to managing complex relationship dynamics.