How are dating habits changing?

Generation Z is rewriting the dating rules dictated by previous generations. That's according to The Future of Dating 2023, the latest report from Tinder, which reveals how the new trends and relationship habits of members aged 18-25 are evolving around three basic pillars: Authenticity, inclusivity and technology.

Authenticity 

After We Fell

Your place or mine

Friends with Benefits

Making real and authentic relationships while staying true to themselves is the priority of Gen Z, who therefore prefer an "all-or-nothing" approach and are willing to show their personality without philtres or masks, whether they want to or not. They leave games and "conquest strategies" to the previous generation and focus everything on honesty, open-mindedness and mental well-being. 77 per cent of Tinder users respond to a person they are interested in within 30 minutes, 40 per cent respond within 5 minutes or less, and more than a third respond immediately. This opens the way to a new world of diverse and meaningful relationships that can be monogamous or open, last a few days or a lifetime. The important thing is to be clear from the start about what you are looking for, to show yourself as you are, without philtres, without fear of standing out unpleasantly and without resorting to alcohol as a tool (88% of zoomers said they wanted to date someone this year, but without drinking alcohol). If authenticity is the key word for being in a good relationship, the other top priorities are a shared "love language" as a basis for building a possible love story (essential for 82% of respondents) and psychological well-being. The data speaks for itself: Some 39% of respondents consider personal growth and their own well-being to be the real priority in their lives; about 80% of 18-25 year olds consider their own well-being essential when dating someoneə and 75% of young singles confirm that they find a partner who works on their mental health more attractive (or is willing to do so).

Inclusion is limitless

Revenge

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Queen Charlotte

"Zoomers" is revolutionising the dating world and making it a place where diversity - whether geographical, cultural, ethnic or sexual - is rewarded." Two-thirds of users surveyed admitted that Tinder has allowed them to meet and date more people outside their social circle, and in the process have met people they might otherwise never have met in everyday life. This sense of openness to the world is also reflected in a non-judgmental and fluid approach to gender identity and sexuality. Gen Z singles want to experience accessible, open-minded dating in all its forms, which is why online dating is the most common method for same-sex partnerships. The report found that members of the LGBTQIA+ community view Tinder as a safe place to come out, making it a fast-growing group.

The role of technology

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Before Sunrise

The Wedding Date

The data confirms that technology plays an important role in how people meet: most under-30s use dating apps and 55 per cent have had a serious relationship with someone they met on Tinder, while 37 per cent know someone who has. As for generative AI, most respondents believe it can work well as a "coach" to help singles showcase their qualities, for example by suggesting phrases to break the ice. However, only 34 per cent of Gen Z say they would use AI to create a profile on a dating app. They reiterate that they are not interested in generic, personality-less profiles like those created by chatbots4 because, as mentioned earlier, the priority is to have an authentic approach with the possible match.