BLK app survey finds Black Gen Z increasingly discussing kink in dating

BLK released new survey findings that show kink is becoming a routine part of dating conversations among Black Gen Z singles in the United States and United Kingdom.

The Curiosity, Kink + Connection Report includes responses from nearly 4,000 users and outlines how young adults approach desire, boundaries and compatibility.

Kink Interest Appears Common Among Respondents

More than half of U.S. respondents said they consider themselves someone with a kink or fetish interest. In the UK, 42.3% said the same. The data suggests kink is part of how many respondents describe their preferences while dating.

Survey participants also reported a shift toward direct communication. Many respondents said they discuss interests earlier in the dating process to avoid later incompatibility.

BLK’s new Curiosity, Kink + Connection Report: Differences Between U.S. and UK Respondents

The survey shows a modest split between the two markets. U.S. respondents were more likely to identify with the label, while UK respondents more often described themselves as still exploring. According to BLK, the difference may reflect varying comfort levels with public disclosure.

Openness to Exploration

Nearly six in ten respondents said they are open to exploring new fetishes. That includes:

• 57.9% of U.S. respondents
• 59.6% of UK respondents

BLK reports that respondents often tied exploration to trust and communication rather than spontaneity.

Roleplay Ranks as the Most Selected Interest

Roleplay or fantasy dynamics ranked as the top kink interest in both markets:

• 37.6% in the U.S.
• 41.2% in the UK

Respondents selected roleplay more than any other option listed in the survey.

Kink as a Dating Consideration

A majority of respondents said they are open to dating someone with a kink. When combining those who are fully open with those who are open under certain conditions, the totals reached:

• 86.1% in the U.S.
• 80.6% in the UK

BLK states that these numbers indicate kink is becoming a factor in how some respondents evaluate compatibility.

BLK’s new Curiosity, Kink + Connection Report: Comfort With Early Conversations

Respondents also reported comfort discussing kink with new partners. According to the survey:

• 79.0% of U.S. respondents said they feel comfortable early
• 72.1% of UK respondents said the same

BLK notes that many participants view early communication as a way to avoid later misunderstandings.

Respondents Seek Both Emotional and Physical Alignment

When asked what they prefer in a partner, the most selected option in both markets was “I want both — no compromise.” Respondents indicated they want emotional compatibility and sexual compatibility rather than choosing between the two.

BLK’s new Curiosity, Kink + Connection Report: Social Media’s Reported Influence

Nearly half of respondents said social media influenced their curiosity to some degree. BLK reports that respondents described social platforms as a source of language and information rather than a driver of desire.

Consent, Trust and Communication Rank Highest

When asked what matters most during exploration, respondents selected:

• Mutual consent
• Trust
• Clear communication

These categories ranked above all others in both markets.