Picture this: You are at a party, your phone buzzes, A match on a dating App!

You swipe, chat for a bit, or maybe even meet up, and then nothing. It’s casual, with no strings attached. Moreover, this cycle of swiping, hooking up, and repeating seems to define our generation's approach to dating. But are these connections truly fulfilling or are we caught in an endless loop of a shallow world? In a world where ghosting and situationships are the norm, how did we get in here and what does it mean for our emotional well-being?

The latest trend of Hookups, One-Night Stands and Situationships

Youth are well-known for their messy situations, sneaky links, and open-minded attitudes about dating. But they may be taking relationships more seriously than the older generations. Approx 62% of Gen Z have said that their friends will not commonly have one-night stands as per the research which polled more than 1000 young people. About 23% say they have casually hooked up which is markedly different from the response got from the young millennials. Back then about 19% of young people said that they don’t do one-night stands and 78% said they did partake in sex on a first date. Let’s find out more about how Genz dating landscapes work and how these relationships move forward.

What does GenZ think about Relationships and Marriage?

GenZ tends to be a bit more conservative in the bedroom. They are the ones who are taking relationships more seriously. The Times found that approximately 21% of the young generation agrees with the notion that marriage is irrelevant as compared to 20 years ago. However, several factors are driving young people today to take relationships more seriously than the generation before them. Since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic that has forced many Gen Z to be stuck at home, missing out on these critical life experiences and stunting social growth. However, when it comes to marriage, Gen Z is thinking about finding soulmates at an earlier age and is more comfortable with the idea of divorce. When we are told Gen-Z are not dating, but are they the Puritans that they are made out to be? Since each action has an equal and opposite reaction it kind of looks like Gen-Z’s dating ethos is a response to the dating apps, hook-up culture, and the problematic behaviour that was a fixture of millennial dating. The generation that grew up in the shadow of MeToo and that is already well known for being more progressive and politically involved and it is putting their foot down.

The Digital Dating Landscape

Gen Z has grown up in the era of convenience since digitalization. While takeaways are on tap, taxis are available at the push of a button. Apps such as Bumble, Tinder, Truly Madly, and Hinge have streamlined the dating process which makes it simpler than ever to connect with potential partners and it’s making Gen Z pickier than ever. The convenience is undeniable and this. Ease means the relationships can feel disposable. 

The Swipe Culture

Swiping has become second nature to us. Since it is fun and fast, what happens when the excitement of matching fades? This approach can lead to shallow connections and a never-ending search for the next best thing. Swiping has turned dating into a game. As we no longer steal glances and stalk profiles. The presence of dopamine rush that we get from seeing a match or receiving a message is thrilling and like any game since we keep coming back for more. We swipe through endless profiles always wondering if there is someone better than just a swipe away.

 The Hookup Culture

Hookup culture is not new as it has been here with us for several years. Casual sex, one-night stands, and no strings attached will be encountered often with just a swipe away. For many of us hooking up is a way to explore sexuality and have fun to avoid the complications of a committed relationship. However, commitment is just for casualness and subscriptions which is a serious thing, hooking up is a way to explore sexuality and have fun by avoiding the complications of a committed relationship. However, commitment is just for having fun and avoiding the complications of a committed relationship. However, commitment is just for subscription and casualness is a serious thing.

Wrapping It Up

Furthermore, there is a darker side to this seemingly carefree lifestyle. Moreover, the pursuit of physical pleasure without emotional intimacy will leave us feeling empty and disconnected. Since we are constantly chasing the next thrill without thinking about the long-term impact on our mental health and self-esteem too.