top of page

New report: 8 out of 10 young people approached by "too drunk" individuals

Lauri Beekmann

Full på følelser rapport

02.05.2024 - Alcohol can reduce fear and boost confidence in the dating scene. "However, it also increases the chance of rejection," warns a researcher from NTNU and the alcohol awareness organization Av-og-til.


The survey conducted by Respons Analyse shows that 8 out of 10 individuals aged 18-30 have been approached by someone who was too intoxicated.


"The line between a perfect match and being too drunk can be very thin," says Ragnhild Kaski, Secretary General of the alcohol awareness organization Av-og-til.


The data are published in the new report "Drunk on Emotions". Marius Stavang, a dating researcher and psychologist at NTNU, is among the experts featured in the report.


"In our culture, it is not natural to approach someone we don't know. Therefore, fear of rejection is common. Alcohol suppresses this fear," says Stavang.


7 out of 10 young people say that alcohol makes it easier to approach someone because it increases confidence, reduces insecurity, and helps them relax more. But there can be too much of a good thing.


"Too much alcohol increases the likelihood of rejection. Thus, alcohol and rejection can become a 'Catch-22'," says the dating expert.


In the survey, 3 out of 10 report having failed in their attempts to flirt due to a high blood alcohol level.


"Alcohol in the dating market is a double-edged sword. It can give you courage, but it can also become your enemy," says Kaski.


Hoping for sex

5 out of 10 respondents say that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of having sex compared to being sober.


"Whether the goal is to find someone to have a good time with for a shorter or longer period, it might be wise to consider how much you drink," says Kaski.


Significant gender differences

There are clear differences between genders when it comes to flirting while intoxicated.


More than three times as many men (48 percent) as women (14 percent) say they have failed to approach someone because they were too drunk.


More men (57 percent) than women (43 percent) have experienced an increased likelihood of achieving sex compared to being sober.


More women (70 percent) than men (83 percent) have been approached by someone who was too intoxicated.


About the survey

The survey was conducted by Respons Analyse on behalf of Av-og-til from February 9 to 26, 2024. It is a representative sample of 1,000 respondents aged 18-30 years, including 473 men and 527 women. Some of the questions were directed at those who responded yes to drinking alcohol. 88% of the total sample consumes alcohol.

bottom of page