Results of our studies

IN BRIEF

MOSCOW, 26 March 2025. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey commissioned by START online cinema and conducted among Russians; the reason for conducting the survey was the premiere of the TV series “Dangerous closeness”.

All that is secret becomes clear

Three quarters of Russians think that there is cheating in their circle; 26% say it is commonplace. Compared with previous surveys, cheating has become more common: 55–60% in 2007 and 2023 vs 74% this year. Simultaneously, the number of those respondents who consider infidelity to be rare or non-existent has decreased 2.5-fold (from 32% in 2023 to 13% in 2025).

The findings confirm these trends: four in ten respondents (39%) are confident that cheating has become more popular; and only 9% say the opposite. Almost half of respondents (41%) say there are women among their friends and acquaintances who have relationships with married men; a third of respondents (35%) point out men who have relationships with married women (men often point to unfaithful men, women often mention unfaithful women).

Forty-two percent of respondents report to have been cheated; 37% have cheated themselves. At the same time, women more often report to be cheated (52% vs 31% among men); whereas men often confess to infidelity (41% vs 34%). Moreover, married men are more likely to point it out than married women (45% of married men versus 28% of married women).

However, the situation varies significantly across different gender and age groups: infidelity is common among the under-35 women and the over-35 men, the older the men the more unfaithful they are. Remarkably, female cheating after 35 grows very slowly, whereas male cheating over the same period grows multiple times; there is a two-fold increase between the 25-34 age period and 35-44 age period (+17 p.p.), a 1.3-fold increase between the 35-44 and 45-59 age groups (+10 p.p.) and a 1.3-fold increase between the 45-59 and the 60+ age groups (+15 p.p.).

On dating websites

Cheating is ranked second in the list of reasons behind divorces, but women rank it first. Thus, a question arises as to where and how infidelity starts. One of the answers is dating platforms, which are also symptomatic of marital dissatisfaction and act as a tool enabling finding a partner for cheating.

About half of Russians report to have used dating websites and apps or admit using them in the future (49%); this percentage is high among Zoomers (82%) and high enough amongst older generation (28% amongst Stagnation generation), meaning that digital transformation of dating is under way.

Five percent of men in relationships (not married) say they use dating platforms; a further 7% say they may start using them in the future (2% and 6% of women, respectively).

Why do people cheat?

According to Russians, causes of infidelity are numerous, however it is triggered by certain factors, more precisely, deficits such as sexual dissatisfaction, emotional dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction with the quality of communication with the partner and distance from the partner. Another important group of factors are psychological and personal, as well as the lack of shared time together. External reasons were mentioned rarely.

The other partner’s cheating affair is one of the key contributing factors to infidelity. It can produce a chain reaction where a single act of cheating triggers reciprocal cheating as revenge, resentment or an attempt to restore justice.  It means that infidelity can result from emotional upheaval, revenge or an attempt to maintain dignity. Importantly, this factor is often mentioned by men and respondents who have been married several times.

Gender stereotypes in action: does infidelity strengthen marriage?

Russians are divided in their opinions on who is more prone to cheating: a majority (55%) believes that being prone to cheating is not gender-specific; one-third of respondents (33%) say men cheat more often, and only 4% point out women.

As to age preferences when cheating, 41% think that men would willingly cheat with a woman who is younger than their wife. This may reflect a stereotype that men prefer younger sexy women as it is considered as a symbol of status and success.

According to the findings, women do not have age-related preferences when it comes to infidelity (49%). This might be due to the fact that female infidelity is perceived as an emotional search, rather than physical intimacy. Interestingly, Russians would rather believe that a woman would rather search for a younger lover than a lover older than her husband (16% vs 7%), which may be affected by the media popularity of relationship between an older woman and a younger partner.

A vast majority of Russians do not consider infidelity to be normal, regardless of gender. However, Russians are more tolerant towards male infidelity (9% vs 4% of those who consider it normal). Moreover, men are more likely to consider male infidelity as normal (13% vs 6% of women). Attitudes towards female infidelity is not gender-specific: 92% of Russians do not consider it normal.

Harsh truth or sweet lies?

According to Russians, some extramarital affairs are often revealed by accident or through friends. Honest confession or being caught in act are much less common, proving that the desire to keep the current marital status quo is still strong.

When asked about whether they want to know about infidelity, opinions are divided: 40% would like to know the truth, but 42% would not. Men are more eager to know the truth (46% vs 36% of women), whereas women prefer to be unaware (47% vs 37%), to stay emotionally comfortable and financially stable.

The older the age, the stronger the desire not to know about infidelity (from 5% of Zoomers to 59% of Stagnation generation). Besides that, those who prefer ignorance are often married respondents (49%), and those who have cheated before (52%).

Digital detective

Digitalization caused a new innovation: spying on the partner has become easier today; the only thing you need is to get a password for social media. Every fourth Russian reports to have spied on the partner through social media.  It means the issue of jealousy and control in relationships remains a significant concern. However, the number of those who recognize that is 26%; the actual percentage can be much higher, as not everyone is eager to speak openly about it. Those who are curious are often women (30% vs 21% of men) and young Russians (every second Zoomer reports to have done the same).

All-Russian VCIOM-Online online survey was conducted March 10-11. A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Survey method: probability-based VCIOM-online online panel. Panel participants are being recruited during daily CATI-based Sputnik survey administered by RDD interviewing from a complete list of phone numbers in use in Russia. The data of all-Russian online survey were weighted for socio-demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 3.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

 

In your opinion, how common is infidelity in your city, among people you know, neighbors, acquaintances?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

2007*

2023**

2025

It’s rather common

27

22

26

It happens but not often

33

33

48

It happens rarely but it happens

18

32

13

Don’t know

22

13

13

 

* Before 2017, surveys were conducted through household face-to-face interviews (Express project); stratified multi-stage sample, with quotas based on socio-demographic parameters; representative of the Russian population aged 18+, according to type of settlement, gender, age, education and federal district. Sample size: 1,600 respondents.

** Nationwide telephone VCIOM-Sputnik survey. A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Survey method: telephone interview, stratified random sample based on a complete list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. The data were weighted for socio-demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%.

 

In your opinion, over the recent 10-15 years has marital infidelity become more common, less common or stayed at the same level as before?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Likely more common

39

38

40

44

36

38

35

44

Likely less common

9

8

9

12

7

8

9

8

Same as before

41

42

41

26

48

44

44

38

Don’t know

11

12

10

18

9

10

12

10

 

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Among my friends there are women who have an affair with a married man

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Likely agree

41

39

43

25

34

43

47

42

Likely disagree

31

30

33

66

49

32

26

20

Don’t know 

28

31

24

9

17

25

27

38

Among my friends there are men who have an affair with a married woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Likely agree

35

38

32

14

21

36

41

39

Likely disagree

34

34

34

71

58

38

28

20

Don’t know 

31

28

34

15

21

26

31

41

No one can be protected against cheating. Have you ever been cheated?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Yes, it happened

42

31

52

26

37

45

45

44

I’m confident it never happened

21

27

15

48

26

21

17

15

It could happen but I know nothing about that

32

34

30

17

32

30

33

36

Don’t know

5

8

3

9

5

4

5

5

Anything can happen. Have you happened to cheat on your partner?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Yes, it happened

37

41

34

10

22

34

40

48

No, never

56

51

60

86

74

60

53

42

Don’t know / refusal to answer

7

8

6

4

4

6

7

10

Do you agree with the following statement: “Regardless of the circumstances I exclude any possibility of marital infidelity”

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Likely agree

73

66

78

86

86

75

66

68

Likely disagree

17

22

13

10

9

16

20

21

Don’t know 

10

12

9

4

5

9

14

11

In your opinion, what can be considered cheating?

(open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents)

Sexual/physical cheating, sum of answers

82

Partner’s cheating / intimate relationship with a third person/ having a lover, without partner’s consent

76

Hugs/kisses with a third person

4

Having a second family / extramarital children

2

Emotional/psychological cheating, sum of answers

26

Interest in a third party / active attention to third persons / flirting / attention to a third person, including at work

18

Virtual relationship / social media messaging, without any physical contact with a third party  

5

Desire to change partner / to dissolve marriage

2

Feelings disappear

1

Trust-based cheating, sum of answers

11

Lies /deceit / not disclosing information about events in personal life, about contacts with a third party, etc  

5

Betrayal

4

Discussing spouse’s shortcomings with third parties  

1

Funding a third person

1

Neglecting obligations, sum of answers

6

Irresponsibility, no attention to family values/lack of attention/ no interest in partner’s life

3

No respect for partner

1

No support for partner in hardships

1

Greed / concealment of income

1

Other

3

Don’t know

14

If there was no physical cheating, but the partner has feelings for another person, can you call it cheating, or not?  

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

It’s cheating

41

31

50

56

50

49

40

31

No, it’s not cheating

44

52

37

36

37

35

43

53

Don’t know

15

17

13

8

13

16

17

16

In your opinion, in what situations do cheating happen?

(open-ended question, up to 5 answers, % of total respondents)

Sexual dissatisfaction, sum of answers

73

Physiological (sexual) dissatisfaction

47

Need in newness, sexual variety

26

Emotional dissatisfaction, sum of answers

72

Lack of emotional intimacy (taking care, support, attention)

47

Due to everyday routine

25

Problems of communications and relationships, sum of answers

71

Conflicts, rows

39

The veil of silence, not being ready to discuss problems

32

Distance, sum of answers

67

No common interests

27

Spending time in different companies

18

One or both partners cheated in their previous relationships

13

After the birth of the first child partners got alienated

9

Not enough time spent together, sum of answers

44

One of the partners has too many business trips, trips to other cities

18

Couple does not spend time together (no friends, no kids, no other relatives)

17

One of the partners spends too much time working

9

Psychological and personal factors, sum of answers

46

Partner’s cheating

22

Desire to bolster self-esteem, raise self-esteem

19

One of both partners were registered on a dating platform

5

External factors, sum of answers

12

Big age gap

9

One of the partners earn more

3

Not such factors, it depends on the person

8

Other  

1

Don’t know

3

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Both spouses are to blame for cheating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Likely agree

58

57

58

30

42

56

63

65

Likely disagree

34

33

36

62

48

36

29

27

Don’t know 

8

10

6

8

10

8

8

8

If there are no emotions, feelings in a marriage, it can be found with someone else

     

Likely agree

15

20

12

14

7

12

18

19

Likely disagree

73

67

79

79

86

79

70

67

Don’t know 

12

13

9

7

7

9

12

14

Cheating is possible if both partners agree on open relationship

   

Likely agree

51

51

50

82

71

52

46

39

Likely disagree

33

34

33

12

21

33

36

41

Don’t know 

16

15

17

6

8

15

18

20

You can forgive your partner for an unintentional cheating

             

Likely agree

39

37

41

16

18

24

43

59

Likely disagree

44

47

41

75

68

59

39

22

Don’t know 

17

16

18

9

14

18

18

19

If your partner cheated on you once you need to forgive him/her  

           

Likely agree

37

34

40

14

18

22

38

59

Likely disagree

38

41

36

71

58

49

34

20

Don’t know 

25

25

24

15

24

29

28

21

Cheating while intoxicated is an accident, and it's not worth getting divorced

 

Likely agree

29

27

30

14

11

16

31

45

Likely disagree

55

59

52

82

79

68

51

35

Don’t know 

16

14

18

4

10

16

18

20

Divorce is the only way out after cheating

           

Likely agree

31

35

28

50

49

40

25

19

Likely disagree

49

48

51

31

36

43

53

60

Don’t know 

20

17

21

19

15

17

22

21

In your opinion, who is more prone to cheat – women or men, or both?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Men

33

24

40

44

30

30

27

37

Women

4

8

1

10

5

5

3

3

Both

55

58

52

39

60

58

61

51

Don’t know

8

10

7

7

5

7

9

9

If the spouses are the same age, the man is more likely to cheat with a woman

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Who is younger than his wife

41

42

40

54

49

40

41

37

Who is the same age as his wife

3

4

3

9

2

3

2

4

Who is older than his wife

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

0

Age is not important

46

43

49

31

43

46

46

51

Don’t know

9

10

7

4

5

10

10

8

 

If the spouses are the same age, the woman is more likely to cheat with a man…

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Who is younger than the husband

16

20

13

20

13

15

17

17

Who is the same age as her husband

14

13

15

17

16

16

12

13

Who is older than her husband

7

7

7

26

13

8

4

4

Age is not important

49

43

54

28

49

49

51

52

Don’t know

14

17

11

9

9

12

16

14

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Female marital infidelity is commonplace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Likely agree

4

4

4

5

2

3

6

3

Likely disagree

92

92

92

95

94

93

89

92

Don’t know 

4

4

4

0

4

4

5

5

Male marital infidelity is commonplace

           

Likely agree

9

13

6

3

5

6

11

12

Likely disagree

86

80

90

95

92

89

82

82

Don’t know 

5

7

4

2

3

5

7

6

Men by their nature cannot be faithful

       

Likely agree

25

26

25

5

9

21

29

36

Likely disagree

67

65

69

90

85

74

62

56

Don’t know 

8

9

6

5

6

5

9

8

In your opinion, what is the most common way to discover infidelity? (close-ended question, up to 2 answers, % of total respondents)

Accidentally (correspondence, calls, rumors, etc)

80

Friends told about it

42

Caught in the act

21

The partner confessed voluntarily

20

Other

1

Don’t know 

5

 

If you admit that your partner has cheated on you, would you prefer to know about that or not to know anything?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

To know

40

46

36

88

61

51

31

24

Not to know

42

37

47

5

26

29

50

59

Don’t know

16

16

16

7

10

19

17

16

Refusal to answer

2

1

1

0

3

1

2

1

In our opinion, what makes people get divorced most often? No more than 3 reasons. (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents, top 10 answers)

 

Total

Male

Female

Poverty, no job, inability to provide for the family

35

34

35

Partner’s infidelity

33

26

39

Different characters, different views/ interests / goals

20

19

20

Misunderstanding / claims / poor relationships / disrespect / not being able to talk to each other / to hear each other

16

13

19

Partner’s alcoholism, drug addiction

13

7

18

Daily quarrels  

10

9

11

No housing in possession

6

7

6

Fast/not-thought-through marriage

6

7

5

Hypocrisy / self-love / pride / inflated self-esteem / selfishness / consumer attitude

6

4

7

Lack of responsibility, no attention to family values/ difference

6

3

8

Other

6

7

4

Don’t know

11

15

8

Have you ever used dating sites, apps?  (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

I used to use them, not anymore

36

38

35

61

59

47

31

21

I’m using them now

4

6

3

14

3

8

2

2

I don’t use them, but I admit using them in the future

9

9

8

7

8

11

11

5

I don’t use them, and I don’t think I’ll ever use them in the future

48

44

52

18

29

33

52

69

Don’t know

3

3

2

0

1

1

4

3

In your opinion, why do men register with dating sites and apps?

(close-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

To find a partner for sexual relationship

53

54

52

87

63

63

49

39

For flirting, leisure

42

37

47

51

43

42

44

39

To find a partner for life

28

35

22

21

34

31

24

29

To find a lover

26

27

26

26

37

32

27

19

To find new friends who share similar hobbies

7

8

6

11

6

2

5

10

To find clients for their services

2

2

2

2

0

1

2

3

Other

1

1

1

0

0

0

2

1

Don’t know

7

7

7

0

3

4

8

12

In your opinion, why do women register with dating sites and apps?

(close-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

To find a partner for life

70

60

78

65

68

71

67

73

For flirting, leisure

33

34

33

43

51

43

26

25

To find a partner for sexual relationship

24

30

20

40

26

26

26

18

To find a lover

15

20

10

12

19

19

16

10

To find new friends who share similar hobbies

10

8

12

28

10

7

9

10

To find clients for their services

5

9

3

0

6

6

6

6

Other

1

2

0

0

1

1

0

2

Don’t know

7

8

5

2

4

5

8

8

Have you ever spied on your partner through social media, or not?

(close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents)

 

Total

Male

Female

Digital generation (2001 and later)

Younger Millennials (1992—2000)

Older Millennials (1982—1991)

Reform generation (1968—1981)

Stagnation generation (1948—1967)

Yes

26

21

30

52

38

39

23

10

No

72

76

69

43

59

58

75

89

Don’t know

2

3

1

5

3

2

2

1

 

Author: Tatyana Smak