Ever get self-conscious about those nights you spend in your flat alone disinterestedly swiping Tinder with a takeaway on your lap? Don't worry about it – everybody in America is probably doing the same thing. According to a new report, more than half of adult Americans are single. This marks the first time that single people have made up the majority of the population since the government started collecting relationship statistics in 1976.

The number of people coupling up has steadily declined since the 70s. In 2013, just under half of the population did not have a partner, but singles now make up 50.2% of the US. These solo fliers have major implications for the American economy.

Economist Edward Yardeni argues in Selfies (yes, that is the name of his report) that singledom enforces certain lifestyle choices: singles are more likely to rent rather than buy houses, and they're far less likely to have children – both factors that have a big impact on the economy.

Yardeni also believes that the increase in people living all on their ownsome is distorting income inequality figures in the US. "While they have less household earnings than married people, they also have fewer expenses, especially if there are no children in their households," he explains.

So here's a shout out to all you singles reppin' it out there. Remember you guys are probably the (childless) future, so in honour of your independence here are a few of our favourite "single" moments.