Not afraid of direct and transparent communication. Generation Z in the dating world. (Photo: Bumble)
Recent data from popular dating app Bumble shows that nearly half (43%) of Gen Z on the platform are more motivated to follow their wishes when it comes to romance.
The generation born with a smartphone in the palm of their hand, also known as the "screen generation", has grown up in a world where sharing information on social networks is a central part of daily life. They are more interested than their predecessors in social, environmental and global issues, but are perceived as lonely and desperate for human, virtual or physical contact. This is a generation that did not experience life before the Internet age, and the first generation in which technology was accessible from the age of zero.
Gen Z is connected to the web as a way of life, and active online <> hours a day. Sharing information and interaction based on giving and receiving immediate feedback (likes) enable an accelerated learning process, acquiring knowledge and accumulating life experience from a very young age.
Gen Z is also the first generation to use dating apps as a key way to find relationships. His mentality is different from that of previous generations and he shows a greater openness to getting to know each other online in new ways.
The survey offers interesting insights into Gen Z's dating habits and sheds light on this audience, which is a key target market for many brands in every market and industry.
So what did we learn from the survey? Here are some key findings.
Height no longer matters
More than 1 in 3 (37%) Gen Z single women on Bumble shared that they are more open to dating someone shorter than them, and a man's height is not a major consideration when choosing a partner. This is higher than the overall average, where only 30% of respondents across all generations indicated that height is not a necessary requirement for dating.
Self-representation faithful to the original
There has been a shift among Gen Z and beyond, with nearly half (45%) of singles being considerate and placing more emphasis on how they present themselves and their demands. Bumble's Profile Badges help users clarify their intentions, whether they're looking for a non-committal sexual encounter or relationship, to help express the dating experience you're looking for.
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Transparency and Mission Statement
43% of Gen Z members on Bumble feel motivated not to compromise on any of their relationship criteria. More than half (52%) of Gen Z singles worldwide indicated that they are much more transparent with partners from the beginning about what they want from a relationship, and 85% said that being honest and sharing ahead of time is the most important thing in a relationship.
In an era where social media and digital platforms dominate communication, maintaining trust and authenticity is more important than ever. Born into a world saturated with information and connectivity, Gen Z values transparency and truthfulness. Honest communication facilitates open dialogue, conflict resolution and emotional intimacy, leading to healthier and stronger relationships.
Avoiding social gatherings
With the return of office culture and busy social life post-pandemic, the vast majority (87%) of Gen Z singles said they are leading an exhausting daily routine. Bumble identified a trend she calls "guardrails," in which more than half (52%) of Gen Z say that now, unlike in the past, they are more aware of their own emotional needs and avoid excessive social commitment, to the point of "rotting in bed." In fact, Generation Z minimizes entertainment and dating during the week, so every date set has greater potential and is determined after undergoing targeted screening.
Optimism is the name of the game
In 2023, Gen Z is particularly optimistic about dating. 73% of Gen Z singles on Bumble feel optimistic about romance and familiarity. Younger generations are setting aside old-fashioned romantic norms, joining the 66% of women who feel comfortable taking the first step and inviting on a first date.
"Gen Z is the first generation whose primary means of getting to know people is dating apps," says Dr. Caroline West, a relationship and sex expert at Bumble. "Online dating can offer more control over who to date, from filtering matches by distance or interest tags that help identify things in common, so it's no surprise that this generation feels more in control to go on a date on their own terms."
"Gen Z is finding a way to get dates, whether it's by ignoring social norms about height, or taking risks, like being more goal-oriented. More than 40% of Gen Z feel more motivated to pursue their romantic desires than they did before COVID-<>. And when the goal is to date, confidence and integrity are the new standard of dating."
What does all this tell us about Gen Z as a consumer?
The groundbreaking research presents a new wave of insights into Gen Z, challenging traditional notions of attraction, dating and dating, paving the way for a more honest and effective approach to finding love. Height, once considered a significant factor in choosing partners, has now taken the back seat and the younger generation is adopting a wider range of traits and values.
The study reveals that honesty dominates at its peak among women, and exceeds physical characteristics, since they prioritize real and transparent communication in their romantic endeavors. Moreover, today's evolving dating landscape requires a straightforward approach to self-presentation and formulation of personal demands for a relationship, just like in a personal branding process. Averse to wasting time on unnecessary dates, Gen Z advocates clear and unambiguous communication from the outset, driving the shift to more effective and focused dating methods.
In conclusion, Generation Z, perceived by many as lazy, spoiled, addicted to screens and instant thrills, shows the world who they really are by challenging existing norms and boldly shaping the new dating landscape, where transparency, honesty and directness guide the way to meaningful connections.
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Tags
- Dating
- Dating
- Applications
- Generation Z
- Smartphone