New Ashley Madison and YouGov Survey Reveals 53% of Indians Admit to Infidelity

A new global survey^[1] commissioned by Ashley Madison, the world’s leading married dating platform, via YouGov, has revealed that India and Brazil have the highest rates of admitted infidelity, with 53% of surveyed adults confessing to having ever had an affair.

The survey, conducted between February 24 and March 6, 2025, polled 13,508 adults across multiple countries, of whom 4,517 admitted to infidelity. The findings shed light on India’s evolving approach to relationships, non-monogamy, and personal fulfillment.

“This data highlights a striking trend—India is leading the way in redefining modern relationships, with more than half of surveyed adults admitting to infidelity,” said Paul Keable, Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison. “India is already ranked sixth among our global markets, and we anticipate it climbing even higher by the end of the year. These numbers suggest the growing acceptance of non-monogamy, and at Ashley Madison, we provide a space for people to explore those connections discreetly.” he added.

Key Findings:

• High Adultery Rate^[2]: 53% of surveyed adults in India admit to having ever had an affair, the joint highest among other countries surveyed globally.

 

• Ashley Madison Member Demographics^[3]:
  • 41% of Ashley Madison members said they have brown hair.
  • The most likely eye color was brown (46%).
  • Top Careers for Men: Engineer, Tradesperson, Sales Manager.
  • Top Careers for Women: Sales Manager and IT/Tech.
  • 73% of members have children.

 

• Satisfaction and Relationships^[4]:
  • 56% of members said they are happier with their job than with their marriage or relationship.
  • One third of members (33%) said they are happy in their marriage/relationship.
  • 25% of female members said they find their marriage/relationship is unfulfilling but tolerable compared to about half of men (49%) who report the same.
  • The majority (35%) said their affairs last more than one year (56% of women compared to 34% of men).

With India topping the global rankings, these findings suggest that the definition of commitment and satisfaction in relationships is shifting. These Ashley Madison insights provide a deep dive into the characteristics, careers, behaviors, and emotional complexities of those engaging in extramarital affairs.

^[1] The general population survey was carried out online by YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 13,508 adults of whom 4,517 admit to having had an affair. Fieldwork was undertaken between February 24th – March 6th 2025. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US, ES, IT, DE, CH, UK, AU, MX, CA, BR, IN adults (aged 18+).

^[2] The general population survey was carried out online by YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 13,508 adults of whom 4,517 admit to having had an affair. Fieldwork was undertaken between February 24th – March 6th 2025. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US, ES, IT, DE, CH, UK, AU, MX, CA, BR, IN adults (aged 18+).

^[3] Based on 2,743 Ashley Madison member respondents polled February 27 – March 5, 2025.

^[4] Based on 2,743 Ashley Madison member respondents polled February 27 – March 5, 2025.