If you talk to any member of Gen Z, they’ll tell you that they have ghosted someone on a dating app because they just didn’t “vibe” with them or they got the “ick.” Don’t know what any of these terms mean? Allow us to define them: ghosting is disappearing with no explanation, the vibe is what you sense from a person, and the ick is being turned off or grossed out. Got it? Good. If it sounds harsh to you, it’s not—for this demo, they are not wasting any time on someone they aren’t feeling, and that’s refreshing! Manners schmanners; they are looking for a good connection and won’t settle for less.
Gen Z is revising the dating narrative in ways never dreamed of by previous generations. They crave genuineness, diversity, and relationships that surpass the surface. Old-fashioned definitions and conventional dating rules don’t interest them in the slightest; what counts is a real connection, and it can go from something as silly as sending each other memes into a serious romantic relationship.
Why Is This Important?Because Gen Z is the majority age of users on dating apps, platforms have to adapt to stay relevant with them! And they want transparency, better communication, and have social causes incorporated into their dating lives. Connecting with this generation is at the top of their to-do list, so we are going to look at how these platforms are making changes to meet the expectations and preferences of today’s Gen Z singles!
Gen Z’s Approach to Dating and Relationships
In terms of modern dating, Gen Z hasn’t just changed the slang surrounding it but has flipped the table like Teresa in season one of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. For them, dating isn’t so much about finding “the one” as it is about chasing chemistry when it hits. Relationships are more elastic, less rigid, and dependent on personal tastes rather than societal norms—love and relationships are two areas where this generation’s autonomy comes through.
Less Focus on Traditional Dating
Unlike older generations, who’ve mostly thought of dating as a means to an end, that end is finding a life partner, and Gen Z is way more interested in keeping things casual and flexible. Long-term commitments aren’t necessarily the goal, and there are a whole lotta “situationships” happening, which is where the romantic relationship exists in a gray area between friendship and romance without the pressure of labels or expectations. This means Gen Z is free to explore more than one connection without feeling tied down, and it’s becoming increasingly common as they redefine what dating looks like in a world where the old rules no longer apply.
The surge of situationships shows a bigger cultural shift—the line-blurring is indicative of how Gen Z prioritizes emotional connections over rigid definitions, and their relationships happen organically. In some cases, this means that a close friendship may take on romantic elements or that a casual romance might never move beyond that stage—and that’s fine with them.
How are dating apps reacting and adapting to this particular trend? Look below for some examples!
Tinder: While traditionally seen as a hookup app, Tinder has adapted by introducing features like “Explore,” where users can connect over shared interests, matching Gen Z’s energy toward casual dating.
Thursday: This app is live for one day a week (on Thursdays), creating a sense of urgency that encourages spontaneous, low-pressure interactions, which suits those who aren’t looking for conventional commitments.
Emphasis on Authenticity and Transparency
As corny as it sounds, Gen Z places a high value on keeping it real, especially when it comes to online dating. They’ve literally grown up with and on the internet, and they can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. For this generation, the over-filtered pics and super-polished profiles of yesterday’s dating apps simply don’t cut it anymore. They want platforms that encourage real self-expression, and users are urged to share who they are with more than photos.
Which dating apps cater to these wants? There are a few that are doing it right:
Hinge: Prompts users to share more about their personality and interests via questions and personal prompts.
Bumble: Empowers users, especially women, to make the first move and has features like personal prompts to encourage genuine interaction.
Coffee Meets Bagel: Prioritizes quality over quantity by sending users a curated list of matches daily for genuine and transparent interactions.
Dating Apps Adapting to Gen Z’s Technological Preferences
As digital natives, Gen Z has grown up in a world where technology is integrated into every aspect of their lives, including dating. Their comfort with digital tools, coupled with their calls for dynamic, interactive experiences, have driven dating apps to change in ways that cater specifically to this generation’s distinctive technological preferences. From integrating social media-like features to embracing video and short-form content, dating apps are changing with the times to stay relevant and appealing.
Integrating Social Media Features
Gen Z loves their social media, so it’s no secret that they gravitate toward dating apps that incorporate similar features. The line between social networking and dating has always been fuzzy, and now younger expect a combo of the two. Dating apps are responding by adding stories, social feeds, and interactive content that copy the platforms Gen Z is already comfy with.
Which dating apps are doing the best at the social media game?
Bumble: The app has features called Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz so users can find friends and network professionally in addition to dating. It also has a “Stories” feature where users share photos and videos within the app, similar to Instagram Stories.
Tinder: Tinder has integrated a “Social” feature, where users can form groups and plan outings with matches, and its “Explore” section lets users discover profiles based on specific interests.
Hily: Hily (Hey, I Like You) has a social feed where users can post updates, photos, and videos, creating a more interactive experience that surpasses swiping.
Badoo: This app has a “Live” feature where users can broadcast themselves or watch others’ live streams, melding dating and social networking.
The Rise of Video Dating and Virtual Experiences
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, and the dating scene did not come out unscathed. It did help dating app platforms though—since we were locked down, singles flocked to online dating! And video dating and virtual experiences rose, becoming a main part of interactions. Gen Z, who is already super familiar with video platforms like TikTok and Instagram, loved this change. Dating apps responded by introducing more video dating features, in-app video calling, and virtual date options to facilitate real-time, face-to-face interaction without needing to meet IRL.
Which dating apps are doing video dating and virtual experiences, right? Look below:
Bumble: Introduced in-app video and voice calling features so users can connect virtually without exchanging personal contact info. Bumble also launched “Night In,” a feature that lets matches play trivia games together during a virtual date.
Tinder: Rolled out “Face to Face,” a video chat feature that enables users to have video dates within the app. Tinder also experimented with virtual events and experiences during the pandemic.
Hinge: Has a “Video Prompts” feature where users can respond to video-based questions, encouraging more engaging and personal interaction. Hinge also supports video calls within the app!
Badoo: This app includes in-app video chat functionality and even has the ability for users to apply filters during video calls, which is a fun bonus.
The League: Known for its high standards and selective user base, The League hosts “League Live,” a video speed-dating feature where users have three 2-minute dates every Sunday.
Short-Form, Engaging Content
Short-form content is king when it comes to keeping Gen Z’s attention—it could be TikTok-style videos, interactive quizzes, or gamified experiences; dating apps are progressively incorporating features that keep users engaged and entertained while also building connections.
Below are the dating apps that are using short-form and interactive content to bring in Gen Z’ers:
Tinder: Introduced “Swipe Night,” an interactive adventure series where users make decisions within a story, and those choices influence their matches. This feature fuses gaming elements with dating, appealing to Gen Z’s love for interactive content.
OkCupid: Uses personality quizzes and question prompts to match users based on compatibility for a more interactive experience compared to just swiping.
Hinge: Incorporates prompts for text responses, voice recordings, and videos, encouraging users to share aspects of their personality in a quick, fun way.
Bumble: In addition to its video and story features, Bumble has interactive quizzes and conversation starters to help users connect over common interests.
LOLO: A newer app, LOLO, gamifies the dating experience with features like mini-games and icebreakers designed to make meeting new people fun and stress-free.
Prioritizing Social Causes and Activism
Gen Z is a generation that is super invested in social causes, and they expect the brands they engage with to have the same values. This expectation extends to dating apps, which are continuously integrating social activism and responsibility into their platforms. Dating apps that line up with these values get the most business with this socially conscious generation, giving them more than just romantic connections but a chance to connect over common core beliefs and causes.
Aligning with Social Values
Gen Z wants to see the brands they use to take a stand on issues that matter to them, whether that’s climate change, diversity, or mental health. They are looking for platforms that not only facilitate connections but also contribute to making a positive impact on the world. This has meant a rise in dating apps that align with social causes, reflecting the values that are so important to this generation.
Dating apps that stand on their social values include the following:
Bumble: Bumble has taken a strong stance on women’s empowerment and social justice. The app has run donation campaigns supporting causes like Black Lives Matter and has consistently advocated for women’s rights. Bumble has also made headway in promoting mental health awareness by partnering with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
OkCupid: Known for its progressive approach, OkCupid has introduced badges that users can add to their profiles to show their support for various causes, such as environmental sustainability, LGBTQIA+ rights, and voting rights. These badges not only help users connect over common values but also promote social responsibility.
Tinder: Tinder has launched initiatives like “Swipe the Vote,” which encourages users to engage in the political process. The app also added a “Voter” badge to profiles during the last U.S. election, stressing the importance of civic participation.
Encouraging Social Responsibility
Dating apps are also gaining ground with integrating features that promote positive behavior and social responsibility. From educating users on consent to implementing anti-harassment tools, these platforms are creating safer, more respectful spaces for their users. Gen Z appreciates this focus on building a respectful online environment, which matches their broader expectations of accountability and ethical behavior.
Which dating apps promote social responsibility? These platforms:
OkCupid: In addition to its badges, OkCupid has implemented questions and matching algorithms that prioritize users who care about social issues. Users can answer questions about their stance on climate change, gun control, and more, which influences their matches.
Bumble: Bumble has introduced measures to combat harassment, including its “Private Detector” AI tool, which automatically detects and blurs inappropriate images. The app also stresses consent and respectful communication through its in-app messaging and user guidelines.
Hinge: Hinge concentrates on creating healthy relationships by giving users advice and tips on how to be more mindful and respectful when dating. The app’s “We Met” feature asks users to give feedback on their dates, which helps the platform uphold a better user experience.
Connecting Around Causes
For Gen Z, finding a romantic partner usually means finding someone who shares their commitment to making the world a better place. Some dating apps now have features that allow users to highlight their involvement in social causes, giving them a way to connect over common interests and values. This focus on activism within dating apps shows Gen Z’s desire to integrate their beliefs into all aspects of life, including their relationships.
Want to connect with users around causes? Try out one of these dating apps:
Tinder: Tinder’s “Passions” feature lets users display their interests directly on their profiles, including activism and social causes. This helps users find matches who care about the same issues, creating connections based on more than just physical attraction.
Bumble: Bumble’s profile prompts encourage users to share what they are most passionate about, including social causes. This feature not only makes it easier for users to bond over shared values but also emphasizes Bumble’s commitment to creating good connections.
Privacy, Safety, and Control
In the digital world, personal info is just a click away, and Gen Z is acutely aware of the importance of privacy, safety, and control—especially when it comes to dating apps. Growing up in the age of data breaches and online scams, this generation has developed a Spidey sense of caution and expects the platforms they use to make security number one. Dating apps are responding with innovative features designed to protect users’ personal information, give them more control over their online presence, and create safer spaces for everyone.
Gen Z’s Focus on Privacy
Privacy isn’t just a perk for Gen Z—it’s a must-have! This generation puts a high value on the protection of their personal info, and they expect the apps they use to take privacy seriously. As they negotiate the digital dating world, Gen Z looks for platforms that have strong data security measures and features that will safeguard their online experience.
Most mainstream dating apps have strong security and privacy features, but the ones below are at the head of the class:
Bumble: Bumble’s Private Detector technology is a great feature—it automatically detects and blurs out inappropriate images before they reach the user. This AI-driven tool means users get to decide whether to view the image and report it if necessary, giving them peace of mind that they’re not going to get an unsolicited and shocking eyeful in their DMs.
Tinder: Tinder has strong privacy settings, like the ability to control who can see your dating profile and what information is visible to others. Users can also choose to hide their profile from potential matches unless they swipe right on them first, giving them more control over their visibility.
OkCupid: OkCupid lets users control how much info they share with detailed privacy settings that let them decide who can see their answers to the app’s extensive range of questions.
Greater Control Over Profiles and Interactions
For Gen Z, control is important—they want to manage not just who sees their profiles but also how they interact with others on these platforms. Dating apps are steadily offering features that allow users to tailor their online experience to their comfort level so that they feel safe and in control.
These are the dating apps that are offering greater control to Gen Z users:
Hinge: Hinge has advanced privacy settings that let users hide their profiles from those who haven’t liked them first. This means that only users who show interest can view their whole profile, giving them more control over who gets to interact with them.
Bumble: In addition to its privacy features, Bumble lets users control their matches by setting preferences for age, distance, and more. Bumble also empowers women by giving them the control to make the first move, which can help them feel more secure in their interactions.
Tinder: Tinder’s “Block Contacts” feature allows users to block phone contacts from seeing their profile on the app, avoiding any awkward encounters with people they know in real life. Tinder also has an “Incognito Mode,” which makes the user-visible only to those they swipe right on, giving them total control over who sees them.
Match: Match.com has introduced a “Photo Verification” feature, verifying that users are real by requiring them to take a selfie that matches their profile photos, decreasing the likelihood of catfishing and other scammers.
Gamification and Entertainment
Gen Z isn’t just looking for a match—they want an entire experience, and the dating apps that combine entertainment with connection are winning them over! The boundary between dating and entertainment is disappearing for this generation, and apps that understand this are leading the charge.
Blending Dating with Entertainment
Regular matchmaking is starting to lose its luster with Gen Z, who want apps that feel more like social media or entertainment platforms. The trick to getting and keeping their attention is creating an experience that’s interactive and fun, rather than just a way to find a partner.
These dating apps incorporate features akin to popular platforms like TikTok, keeping users entertained:
Snack: This app merges dating with short-form video content, similar to TikTok. Users can post videos on their profiles, and others can like and comment, creating an interactive and fun experience that feels more like leisure than conventional dating.
LOLO: This app gamifies dating with mini-games and icebreakers that users can play together. The features are designed to make interactions fun and light, turning dating into a lighthearted experience.
Tinder: Continuing its innovative approach, Tinder introduced “Swipe Night,” an interactive adventure where users make decisions in a narrative, influencing their matches. This feature integrates elements of gaming with dating, creating a novel and fun experience.
Reward Systems and Challenges
Gamification hits home with Gen Z, who want apps that have game-like features like badges, points, and challenges. These elements add more interaction, making the experience feel more dynamic and rewarding. This approach not only keeps users engaged but also adds a sense of achievement to the dating process.
Which dating apps are using reward systems and challenges? These guys:
Hinge: Hinge’s “Roses” feature lets users send a special like to someone they’re particularly interested in, but only once a week. This makes it feel exclusive and strategic, as it encourages users to be a little more thoughtful with their interactions.
OkCupid: OkCupid rewards users with badges for aligning with specific causes or answering questions, which not only serve as personal expressions but also motivate users to participate more within the app.
Tinder: Tinder’s “Super Like” and event-based challenges like “Festival Mode” give users an edge and create community-based interactions, making the experience more engaging and fun.
Casual, Non-Committal Interactions
Gen Z appreciates dating apps that give them the chance to have low-pressure, casual interactions. They’re drawn to platforms that facilitate quick, flirty engagements without the expectation of long-term commitments.
Features that encourage brief, fun exchanges are super appealing, as they allow users to explore potential connections without feeling tied down—below are the dating apps that are doing this right!
Bumble: Bumble’s “Matches Expiring Soon” feature encourages users to act fast before their matches disappear, creating a sense of urgency while also keeping the interaction light and stress-free.
Tinder: Tinder’s “Boost” and “Super Boost” features increase a user’s profile visibility for a limited time, meaning users get more matches quickly in a fast-paced, casual experience.
Ship: Ship lets users involve their friends in the matchmaking process—it’s a social component that makes dating more collaborative and less serious.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Gen Z demands more than just a platform for connections—they want spaces that reflect and respect their diverse identities. Inclusivity and diversity are not just “woke” terms for this generation but necessary factors for any brand they engage with. As a result, dating apps are evolving to accommodate this broad spectrum of identities so that everyone feels seen, respected, and represented.
Focus on Body Positivity and Representation
Gen Z has always been vocal about the need for body positivity and real representation, and dating apps are echoing these values. By welcoming diverse body types, races, and gender identities, these platforms are making sure that users can see themselves represented both in the app’s marketing and in the community itself.
Want a dating app that focuses on body positivity and representation? We got you:
Bumble: Bumble has been at the forefront of promoting body positivity and diverse representation. The app’s marketing campaigns feature people of all different body types, races, and gender identities, which hits home with Gen Z’s demand for inclusivity.
WooPlus: Specifically designed for curvy singles, WooPlus promotes body positivity by celebrating plus-size beauty. The app launched the “Miss Curvy Valentine’s Pageant,” a body positivity pageant that encourages users to love their bodies and challenge traditional beauty standards.
Chispa: This app, tailored for Latino singles, promotes cultural pride and body positivity by featuring users from a range of backgrounds. Its focus on celebrating Latino heritage makes it a platform where users can connect with others who appreciate their cultural identity.
BLK: A dating app for Black singles, BLK emphasizes cultural connection and community. Its commitment to showcasing diverse representations of Black identity in its marketing and user experience has made it a go-to app for those looking for real connections within the Black community.
Globalization of Dating
With Gen Z’s global mindset, dating has gone international—this generation is looking beyond borders and their immediate surroundings, looking for connections with people from different parts of the world. Dating apps are facilitating this by making it easier to connect across borders, turning the world into a bigger, more connected dating pool!
Looking for global connections? Take your dating game overseas with these dating apps:
Tinder: Tinder’s Passport feature lets users change their location and swipe in different cities around the world. This feature has been particularly popular with Gen Z, who are much more open to the idea of international dating and exploring relationships that cross-cultural and geographical boundaries.
Bumble: Similar to Tinder, Bumble has a feature that lets users connect with people in different parts of the world. This global reach matches up with Gen Z’s interest in exploring diverse cultures and meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Hinge: Hinge also enables international connections through its global user base, and its emphasis on “dating from home” during the pandemic highlighted the possibility of forming connections with people anywhere in the world.
Sustainability and Minimalism
As environmental concerns and a preference for simplicity progressively shape consumer choices, Gen Z is leading the charge in demanding both sustainability and minimalism from the digital platforms they engage with. Dating apps are responding by integrating eco-friendly practices and focusing on streamlined, user-friendly designs!
Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the most important things for Gen Z—it’s a consideration they take into their daily lives and choices, and that means the apps they use as well.
Dating platforms have seen this shift and responded by incorporating sustainable practices, including the following:
Bumble: Bumble has committed to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2025. This includes utilizing data centers powered by renewable energy and introducing sustainability badges on user profiles, allowing people to showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Badoo: Part of the Bumble Inc. family, Badoo is also working towards sustainability in tandem with Bumble to meet the 2025 net-zero goal. This common commitment illustrates the bigger corporate strategy towards reducing environmental impact.
Thursday: Operating only on Thursdays, this dating app encourages users to focus on real-world connections. It’s a minimalist approach that not only reduces digital clutter but also matches up with a less resource-intensive model of online dating.
Minimalist Design and Functionality
Gen Z’s preference for simplicity is fueling a trend toward minimalist app designs that prioritize main functionalities over unnecessary complexity.
These designs are meant to improve user experience by cutting back the clutter and focusing on what really matters!
Hinge: Known for its minimalist design, Hinge decreases distractions by concentrating on core features that promote real connections. The app doesn’t spam users with ads or unnecessary features, which is what Gen Z wants—a clean and simple interface.
Pure: Pure is a minimalist experience that strips down the dating process to its basics. The app focuses on facilitating quick and spontaneous connections, without the burden of any complex features or excessive advertisements.
Coffee Meets Bagel: This app embraces minimalism by limiting the number of matches users receive each day. By encouraging thoughtful and intentional interactions, Coffee Meets Bagel speaks to Gen Z’s preference for quality over quantity in their digital dating experiences.
Ongoing Innovation to Meet Gen Z Expectations
Dating apps are continuously evolving to stay relevant to Gen Z, the generation that wants, nay, demands, technology-driven features, user feedback, and the ability to go from online to offline. Here’s how dating apps are meeting these expectations!
Constant Evolution and Updates
To keep users engaged, dating apps are leveraging AI and other advanced technologies to refine the user experience and give them more personalized matches. How? Look below!
Tinder: Tinder uses AI-driven recommendations that adapt based on user behavior and feedback so that match suggestions are relevant and personalized.
Elate: This app incorporates AI to facilitate more committed relationships, focusing on promoting good dating etiquette and reducing the occurrence of ghosting, a common concern for Gen Z users.
JoJo: JoJo utilizes a machine-learning algorithm to improve matchmaking accuracy. The app continuously improves its matching capabilities by learning from user interactions, making it more adept at predicting compatibility.
User-Driven Feedback and Customization
Gen Z appreciates it when their feedback is taken seriously, and dating apps are using user input to create new features and customization options.
Hinge: After getting feedback that users wanted more ways to express their personality, Hinge added voice prompts. This feature lets users upload audio clips, adding something extra to dating profiles and making interactions more fun.
#Open: Designed for non-monogamous users, #Open has extensive profile customization to show individual relationship preferences. The user-driven approach helps the app cater to a range of identities and preferences, making it much more inclusive.
Balancing Technology with Real-World Connection
While digital engagement is important, Gen Z also wants the ability to transition easily from online interactions to real-world connections—the following dating apps are pitch-perfect in this regard:
Bumble: Bumble’s “Night In” feature has virtual dates through interactive trivia games, helping users move from app-based conversations to shared experiences. This builds a bridge between digital and real-life interactions, making them feel more tangible.
Thursday: Operating only one day a week, Thursday encourages users to concentrate on real-world meetups rather than drawn-out digital interactions. This approach lessens the pressure of constant engagement and promotes IRL connections.
Conclusion: Gen Z Makes Dating Apps Better for All
As we’ve seen, dating apps are doing everything they can to keep up with Gen Z’s unique and sometimes demanding expectations. This generation isn’t satisfied with just swiping left or right—they want apps that walk the walk in terms of their values, be it authenticity, inclusivity, or a seamless blend of tech and real-world connection.
Below is a recap of how dating apps are meeting the moment for Gen Z’s distinct dating preferences!
- Emphasizing Authenticity: Dating apps are introducing features that allow users to express themselves more genuinely, moving beyond simple profiles to include dynamic and interactive elements that showcase personality and individuality.
- Integrating Social Causes: Lots of platforms are aligning themselves with social issues that speak to Gen Z, like sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social justice, making these causes a visible part of the user experience.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Apps are expanding their options for gender identity and sexual orientation so that all users feel seen and respected, and are providing more tailored experiences that show the diversity of their user base.
- Seamless Technology Integration: Leveraging advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, dating apps are able to have more personalized matchmaking, better safety features, and smoother transitions from online interactions to IRL connections.
Final Thoughts
What exactly does all of this mean for the future of online dating? Well, Gen Z’s influence has already changed it for the better—it’s a more personalized, real, and value-driven approach to finding love. As the next generations come of age, we can look forward to dating apps becoming even more refined in terms of personal preferences, making the dating world a more inclusive and dynamic space. And let’s be honest, if Gen Z can get dating apps to be eco-friendly and socially conscious, it’s a good thing for the planet!
Have you noticed that the dating apps you use are changing? If so, are they keeping pace with your dating needs and values? Are there any other features you’d like to see? And how can they do better? Tell us what you think in the comments!
