There’s no denying that the dating scene has changed dramatically since the Coronavirus pandemic - but it seems that could actually be a good thing?
Tinder has recently asked singles to explain how things have changed - from their perspectives on dating, to what gives them the ick, and how dates may even have a dual purpose.
After the pandemic, Gen Z are reflecting on their dating habits and reassessing their priorities.
With conversations more frequent post-pandemic, daily average messages up by 12% and conversations 38% longer compared to where they were towards the end of 2021, it seems like people are now more likely to give people the time of day.
Karen, 19, from Glasgow, said: “It was slow, but emotionally intense. There was one guy in particular who I consistently video called with and even virtually watched films with for nearly two months, before we had an in-person date.
“This meant we quickly established an emotional connection and I felt comfortable with him seeing me in my PJs a lot sooner than anyone I’d ever dated before.”
Karen insisted that now things are more ‘normal’, she’s adopting a more relaxed attitude to dating, seeing how it goes before committing to one person too soon.
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She continued: “Chatting beforehand is super key, but it’s great to now have the option to date virtually or IRL.
“This means that I have multiple routes to getting to know someone better. After I became so emotionally invested in one person during the pandemic, now I feel more free to get to know a few different people.
"Whether it’s finding out if we like the same music, going on an activity date to see them in a new light, or checking that they know my niche TikTok references - I like to get the full picture and take my time to commit”.
So, it seems that gone are the days of emotional intensity during the pandemic - Gen Z want nothing more than to keep their options as open as possible.
Singletons are now eager to make the most of their freedom to date in real life, and not just on a park bench.
Connor, 20, from Chester said they ‘discovered a newfound confidence’ after lockdowns ended.
In place of drinks at a bar, or a picnic in the park, young people like Connor are continuing the trend of activity dates, as they discovered a real love for them post-lockdown, with mentions in bios up for everything from ‘bookstore’ (+175%) to ‘mini golf’ (+135%) and even ‘roller skating’ (+20%).
Connor said: “I’m looking to find someone who is up for having a good time and getting back out there, whether it’s going to a Drag Show with me or shopping in the city.”
Also, it seems as though Gen Z are feeling more spontaneous and adventurous than ever and last minute doesn’t mean less exciting.
Charlotte, 23, from Edinburgh recently went on a Tinder date which was super last minute, as they were both in the area and just decided to grab a quick coffee.
She said: “Things went from 0 to 60 real fast. One minute I was enjoying a cuppa with my date and connecting over how we both have the travel bug, the next I was buying his van to do up with my friend and travel around Europe. We’re now planning our second date. A win, win.”
Shared interests are of growing importance to Gen Z, as they prioritise common ground over looks (64%), political views (61%) and even a sense of humour (48%).
But when dating someone they’re keen to embrace differences, retain their own independence and learn something new from their match.
Seb, 21, from Newcastle says “I think of it as a Venn diagram - it’s important for me to have some things in common with the guys I date, especially if we have the same music taste, then I know we’ll definitely get along. At the same time, I also really value someone’s differences and think that ultimately, a happy medium is key”.
Apparently, getting the ‘ick’ is stronger than ever among Gen Z. ‘The ick’ is a term that seemed to come from nowhere, but now permeates our popular culture as an easy way to describe how turned off you are by something someone has done...even if they don't realise they've done it.
From egocentric personalities, to flashy lifestyles - according to Tinder members here’s the top five things to avoid, if you want to increase your chances of match success:
Group photos or the same pose
Singletons lead busy lives and they don’t have time to play spot the difference between the pics in your profile.
A long list of requirements
Yes your bio should share with your potential matches a glimpse of your true self and something interesting about yourself, but keep it about you. No one wants to hear all of the extremely niche things that tick your boxes.
Showing off
Being overly ‘car confident’ or bragging about the weights you lift in the gym isn’t going to score you more points in the love stakes.
Using emojis unironically
It’s as simple as that, emojis should only be used ironically (according to Gen Z).
Being too keen
Okay, so, you fancy your match and you really want to take them on a date. But sending them three chasers and asking why they’re not replying isn’t the way to go about it!
Do you have a dating story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
