
5 TikTok Dating Trends Gen Z Is Loving Right Now
From Bumble’s sex and dating expert, Dr. West.
Bumble‘s sex and relationship expert, Dr. Caroline West, reveals Gen Z’s latest dating trends gaining virality on TikTok.
Gen Z reaches new heights after the pandemic completely disrupted their dating lives, and ironically, its paired with the app that kept their social lives alive during the pandemic: TikTok. The dating pool is currently all about creating an experience that feels authentic. Essentially, Gen Z has scrapped the rulebook — especially for women — with almost half of Gen Zers on Bumble ready to go after what they want when it comes to romance.
According to Dr. West, these are the current trends Gen Z is pioneering.
Short King Spring
“Short King Spring is now a year-round affair for Gen Z. More than 1 in 3 Gen Z singles on Bumble shared that they are now more open to dating someone shorter than them and no longer care about someone’s height as a requirement. This is higher than the global average, in which only 30% of those surveyed said the same thing.”
Lucky Girl Season
“Generating ‘lucky girl’ energy in the dating world is all about manifesting your desired reality and putting your best self forward. There’s been a shift amongst Gen Z and beyond, with the majority (54%) of single people in the UK being more thoughtful and intentional about how they put themselves out there. Bumble’s Profile Badges can be used to make your intentions clear, whether that’s looking for something casual or serious, helping you manifest the dating experience you’re looking for.”
#MainCharacterEnergy
“Living the protagonist lifestyle is the new norm, with 43% of Gen Z Bumble members feeling more motivated to go after what they want when it comes to romance after the past two years. ‘Hardballing’ (not messing around) has also taken a front seat, with more than half (52%) of Gen Z singles globally stating they are much clearer with partners from the start about what they want from a relationship, and 85% saying that being honest and upfront is the most important thing in a relationship.”
#SlowLife
“With the return of office culture and busy social schedules, the overwhelming majority — 87% — of Gen Z singles admitted that they were feeling overwhelmed and exhausted with their day-to-day. Back in 2021, lockdown led to the rise of slow dating with people taking longer to get to know someone than they usually would. Today, over half of Gen Z on Bumble have established more boundaries over the last year, a trend Bumble calls guardrailing, including being clearer about our emotional needs and boundaries and not overcommitting socially.”
Seize The Date
“Gen Z are particularly optimistic about dating in 2023, with 73% of global Gen Z singles on Bumble, siezing the date, and saying they feel positive about the romance that lies ahead. Younger generations are casting aside outdated romantic norms, joining the 89% of women in the UK comfortable with making the first move and asking someone on a first date.”