Non-monogamy has recently attracted interest, with phrases such as open relationship and polyamory becoming increasingly prevalent online. But what is relationship anarchy?

Relationship anarchy (RA) is a viewpoint that considers all relationships to be equally significant and distinct. Within RA, no relationship should be subject to rules that are not fully consented to by those involved. The term was introduced by writer and activist Andie Nordgren and seeks to implement anarchist principles (which advocate for the elimination of authority and hierarchy) in relationships.

RA is prominently featured in Feeld’s latest State of Dating Report, co-authored by sex educator and author Ruby Rare. This report implies that RA could be a remedy for Gen Z’s feelings of loneliness.

Prior to and since the COVID pandemic, individuals in America have faced feelings of isolation. In 2023, former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a statement regarding the loneliness crisis. Experts assert that Gen Z is the most isolated generation.

Nevertheless, relationship anarchists on Feeld report experiencing lower levels of loneliness and a greater inclination to appreciate deep and diverse connections. RA users on the app are 1.5 times more likely to express that having various connections alleviates loneliness, 31 percent more likely to feel they can mold their relationships to satisfy personal needs, and 20 percent more inclined to have a dependable support system. (This data comes from surveys of over 3,000 Feeld participants and 6,000 non-participants conducted in February 2025.)

“RA is one of several potential pathways to cultivate emotional depth and resilience while expanding your community: there’s no universal approach here,” the report notes.

Although relationship anarchy is not as broadly recognized as non-monogamy, polyamory, or swinging, one in five individuals not using Feeld came to understand that they had engaged in a relationship style aligning with its definition. This acknowledgment rose to one in two individuals on Feeld.

Yet, like any relationship model, RA poses challenges. Establishing relationship boundaries was 536 percent more difficult for RA members on Feeld compared to non-RA members. This may be attributed to the absence of a guideline for practicing RA or anything other than monogamy. Those engaging in RA were also 96 percent more likely to face adverse reactions from prioritizing multiple partners instead of focusing on just one. However, as the current dating landscape demonstrates, daters frequently encounter communication difficulties.

Last year, Feeld’s State of Dating Report found that Gen Z fantasizes about monogamy (and kink). It appears that this interest was short-lived. You can explore all the findings in Feeld’s State of Dating Report.