Traditional dating? According to today's young generation, this is losing its meaning. Generation Z texts, calls, and breaks up via apps every day – often all in the same day. Although it might seem that technology and dating apps are making dating easier, the opposite is often true. Young people from Generation Z feel more anxiety about dating than butterflies in their stomachs. And they are increasingly giving up on dating and finding a suitable partner.
Swipe, match, ghost
The American Survey Center reports that only 56% of adults in Generation Z had a romantic relationship as a teenager. For previous generations, the figure was over 80%. In-person dating has been replaced by endless scrolling through profiles, and with it comes a feeling of burnout – the so-called “dating burnout” from dating apps.
Generation Z lives in a world where dating is easier than ever, but paradoxically, they feel lonelier than ever. The ease of dating comes with a catch – you can “swipe” away within a second. The result is a phenomenon that can be summed up in three words: swipe, match, ghost.
The result? Young people, unlike previous generations, are more afraid of being hurt, rejected, disappointed and are subject to the feeling that they are “not enough”. As a result, they often prefer to give up on relationships and not date at all.
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Instead of a partner, an AI chatbot
Some Generation Z solve their fears about dating in the real world by escaping into the virtual world. They replace real relationships and friendships with virtual conversations with AI chatbots. Artificial intelligence can be empathetic, understanding and most importantly – it will never reject you. Young people create relationship bubbles in which they feel safe.
In fact, AI is a trap for many young people. While a virtual partner will never get angry and send you to the dart, it will also never hug you. An AI relationship creates the illusion of closeness that many young people lack. Returning to real relationships may be harder than it seems. Some experts warn that this form of “emotional outsourcing” may make it harder for young people to form relationships.
The dark side of AI is also making its way into dating – deepfakes in the form of fake profiles, AI-generated photos, and AI chatbots that impersonate real people. Dating in the age of AI requires more caution than ever.
Tinder? Boring!
Dating apps like Tinder, Badoo, Bumble and other online dating sites still exist, but for many young people they are no longer cool. Unlike millennials who enthusiastically discovered the magic of online dating, today's twenty-somethings are increasingly turning away from the apps. Why? Instead of superficial swiping, they are looking for something more real.
Dating events that do not take place online, but in the real world are becoming increasingly popular. At speed dating, instead of meaningless online profiles, you are in front of real people - with laughter, gestures and no filters! In short, a real meeting, where the heart decides instead of likes.
"It was completely different - after a long time I was talking to real people, not avatars," says Tereza (28), who finally went to speed dating after endless conversations on Tinder.
Masks down!
Unlike millennials who tried to make the best impression on a date – often at the cost of pretense, Gen Z is primarily betting on authenticity. They will come to a date in a sweatshirt, sweatpants, without makeup and with the phrase: “Either you take me like this or not at all.”
Authenticity is simply cool for young people – it’s not primarily about how you look, but how you “vibe”. Gen Z loves when you “get the energy” with someone – the conversation is smooth, you have a common sense of humor and you are simply pleasant together. It’s no longer about external gloss, but about “vibe check” and “mutual respect”. Bottom line – either it works or it doesn’t – and you move on and no one worries about it.
Living in the here and now
Generation Z grew up in a time when mental health, self-development and toxic relationships are talked about. Thanks to this, they are clearer about what they want and, most importantly, what they don’t want. While previous generations were primarily looking for “forever” relationships, ZTs are looking for a relationship that makes sense right now. If they feel that it’s not working, they can leave without unnecessary drama.
At the same time, they are not afraid to experiment. They want to get to know, try and find out what really suits them. For some, this means an open relationship or polyamory, for others, a conscious decision to be single. But this does not mean that they are superficial. On the contrary. Generation Z is looking for a deeper connection that is based on honesty, respect and emotional compatibility. They just don’t want to play by the old rules anymore, where a “relationship” is automatically the goal of life.
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There’s no substitute for a real connection
Generation Z is changing the rules of the game. They may date less, but they’re dating more honestly. Technology gives them endless possibilities, but in the end, they’re discovering that no algorithm can replace a real connection.
If you feel like online dating is going nowhere, try something different. Come to speed dating, where real people are waiting for you instead of screens – with laughter, nervousness, and genuine interest. Because the best “matches” still happen offline.
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