BITES // 02.02.23 // DATING IN THE MODERN WORLD
Every month we collect six of the best pieces of content published on the web and share them with you because we believe that the most extraordinary thinking is inspired by looking to unexpected places. BITES is a reading list for those who want to bring a little of the outside in.
OVERVIEW -
As we say “hello” to a new year, it may also be time to say “hello” to a new love life. With over 70% of daters feeling confident about romance and relationships many are optimistic in finding a match. It seems 2022 has taught people what they truly want and how to best articulate their needs and boundaries in relationships. The best part about these internet dating trends is that they keep changing and evolving over the years, only for the better.
1. OPEN CASTING BREAKS STEREOTYPES
Open casting refers to thinking outside the box when it comes to dating and sex, especially with people that aren’t their usual type. More than one third of people are now more open to dating beyond their typical physical type, and 28% are less concerned about dating the type of person that others expect. Almost half of men agree that breaking gender roles in dating and relationships is beneficial for them. More than half of men on dating apps are actively challenging stereotypes that suggest men should not show emotions, and more than one third of men now speak more openly about how they’re feeling with their male friends. Even further, 63% of daters rank emotional maturity higher than the way a person looks. Men are getting introspective about gender roles. Almost 75% of men on Bumble say that they’ve examined their behavior more over the last year.
2. WANDERLOVE AND SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE
Post-COVID lockdowns, people are still prioritizing traveling and exploring the world. This has gotten easier as many companies allow remote work — and the freedom to work from anywhere has allowed single people to more seriously consider longer distance or international relationships. One-third of daters are now more open to relationships with people who are not in their current city. Second-chance romances are also on the rise — one in three people on dating apps said they had ended a marriage or serious relationship in the last two years. They are now beginning a new chapter in their lives with a third of them using dating apps for the first time. They’re learning to navigate new dating language and etiquette. Many are willing to put themselves out there in a new way and look for a new love. Some are even looking to the metaverse to find love, 33% of singles are planning to date in the metaverse with the use of avatars. This is showing that people are becoming more comfortable putting a larger emphasis on communication and digital intimacy before meeting in-person.
3. GUARDRAILING IS HELPING TO SET BOUNDARIES
Guardrailing is all about approaching new romance prospects with caution so as not to waste time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. Many are wanting to take control of their dating lives by establishing what does and doesn’t work for them in a connection, with over half of daters setting boundaries. While sex — and exploring what you want from your sex life — is becoming increasingly important to daters, more daters are approaching sex and intimacy in an open and exploratory way, with over half of single daters saying it’s important to discuss sexual wants and needs early in a relationship. More newly single people are exploring their sexuality, but 34% of people aren’t having sex right now, and they’re okay with that. Tinder is even making it easier to set expectations. The app recently rolled out its Relationship Goals feature, where suitors can outline what they’re looking for and the prompt will pop up every week to ask users if their chosen goal is still what they want.
4. INFLA-DATING, THE COST OF LOVING
Infla-dating means going on less expensive dates due to inflation and the current economic environment. Rising prices are affecting all aspects of our lives — including dating. Almost three quarters of daters admit to avoiding or canceling dates due to the cost of the date. Daters are starting to get clear on their financial boundaries when it comes to dating. 32% of people are less impressed by over-the-top first dates, with over half of people becoming interested in casual dates rather than something fancy. Tinder found that “mentions of “Picnics” (43%), “Mini Golf” (56%) and “Drive-Ins” (34%) in Tinder bios all increased in 2022, suggesting that singles are meeting up for more than just dinner and drinks these days.
5. SITUATIONSHIPS BECOME OFFICIAL
More than a hookup, but not quite a traditional relationship, the “situationship” is a casual, yet clearly defined, relationship that came to rise in 2022. Rather than viewing it as a lack of commitment, more singletons are now seeing the term as a valid way to describe their connections. More young people are saying that relationships take them away from their educational and career goals and that it’s best not to get too attached because you might give up your path in life for someone else. Tinder saw a 49% increase in members adding the phrase to their bios with young singles, especially Gen Zers, saying they prefer situationships as a way to develop a relationship with less pressure. Gen Z are less willing to define the relationship or admit that they want it to move forward. They are now embracing what they see as a satisfying middle ground that many people in previous generations avoided.
6. SOBER DATING IS ON THE RISE
With a refreshed focus on wellness in 2023, people are reapproaching their consumption habits and tendencies — especially when it comes to alcohol. Bumble’s insights indicate that one in three users would now consider going on a dry date. Over one fourth of Tinder users said they drink less on dates compared with last year when describing their drinking habits, and a majority of Tinder members said they don’t drink or only drink occasionally on their profiles. A majority of Hinge users report that they no longer prefer first dates that involve drinking, but rather are looking for shared activities where they can gain an authentic sense of connection and allow them to genuinely get to know the other person.
TAKEAWAY-
Dating is hard, no matter what age you are and finding love in the modern world is hard. A tale as old as dating apps has proved to us time and again that the meaning of love and dating evolves over the years. Thanks to the internet, we’re all very well versed with the new dating lingo in the online world. The recession, updates in technology, and generational values have also contributed to the evolution and ever-changing mindset of dating. We hope to see more love, whether that be with others or oneself, this year and continue to navigate feelings of the heart.
