How Social Media Tells Us About Dating: Has It Become One of Our Favorite Online Topics?

The world of dating is a topic that unites everyone, whether we are active participants or enthusiastic listeners of the personalized podcasts our friends share with us episode by episode. Universally connected to social interaction, its storytelling on social media captivates us so much that it becomes the protagonist of countless online content, especially on TikTok, where people feel much freer to show their unpolished side, typically reserved for Instagram.

Social media is overflowing with couples playing pranks on each other, hypothesizing scenarios about their partner interacting with the opposite sex and needing to respond appropriately. There are also countless videos teaching that "if your boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t do this and that, then they don’t love you". This continuous narrative of gender dynamics, relationship rules, betrayals, and personal experiences creates an optimal environment for sharing both valid and flawed observations, all while ignoring the fact that dating is far too subjective to adhere to universal, linear standards.

Dating and Online Confession for Gen Z

Gen Z has grown up with a strong emphasis on authenticity and transparency. Social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become safe spaces where young people share not only their joyful moments but also their struggles, challenges, and vulnerabilities. Talking about a broken heart, awkward dates, or love stories that ended before they even began has become a way to showcase humanity, connect on an emotional level, and break down the wall of perfection that often dominates the digital world.

Content Creators Making Dating Their Format and Tinder's Campaign

Many criticisms aimed at influencers revolve around the idea that monetizing a relationship is a big no. For some, it suggests a lack of value for privacy and the relationship itself, especially when couples constantly stage and edit their content to appeal to the masses. As a counterpoint, some creators embrace authenticity by sharing unfiltered stories of their wildest Tinder experiences, guaranteeing entertainment. Robbybud, for instance, starts his videos with the phrase "hey girl" and a close-up of his face that makes you feel like you’re on FaceTime, proceeding to narrate his online dating adventures with charm and humor.

Speaking of Tinder, the world’s leading dating app is raising the bar on romance and laughs with its campaign titled Long Story Shorts. Launched in August on Instagram and TikTok, the series celebrates real love stories from Tinder users, brought to life by some of social media’s funniest personalities. Featuring six authentic love stories, the series stars comedic content creators like Dalia Elizabeth, Kendahl Landreth, and Mitsy Anderson, each infused with Rom-Com charm and humor.

Dating Differences Across Countries

We’ve outlined why dating content is so appealing to us. However, the world of dating is diverse and expansive, full of insights. On universal topics like who pays the bill, for example, it’s always interesting to see how practices differ across countries.

In the Netherlands, the culture of Tikkie—similar to the Italian Satispay but far more popular—is openly embraced for fostering relationships. However, the problem is that a formal etiquette for Tikkies doesn’t exist, which, according to researcher Gea Schonewille, can lead to issues: "Relationships are built on mutual favors. Whether it’s friendship or courtship, it relies on this exchange. This could involve services, like helping paint, giving advice, or lending an ear, but also paying for one another."

German dating culture, as one TikToker explains, is particularly challenging because people are less inclined to engage in online conversations and share personal details. The user recounts her experiences while being prompted by followers eager to know more. While romantic experiences used to remain confined within the boundaries of private life, today it’s normal to share details and feelings related to love, often in real time. Romantic relationships have become an integral part of the content we consume daily. Is this beneficial or harmful? Time will tell.

The Comeback of Unplugged Partners

A quick look at relationship discussions on Reddit reveals men who worry that women won’t date them because they don’t have social media. For many women, however, this kind of pre-screening is seen as a precaution. Yet now, it seems there’s nothing more attractive than a partner who can’t be found on social media, implying a lower risk of infidelity. But that’s not all.

There are many advantages to having a disconnected partner, also known as the offline boyfriend. Aside from the allure of mystery, not having (or using) social media also removes the complications of online dating culture, from benching to ghosting. Starting a relationship while both parties are active on social media is incredibly complex. Social media creates speculations that can deter the start of a relationship. Having at least one offline partner allows both to set the terms of who they are, what they mean to each other, and how friends, family, and acquaintances perceive their bond, without worrying about curating an image, launching soft hints, explaining things, or fostering paranoias over nothing. Could this be the right path, defying the trends of online narratives? Perhaps so.