Dating In A World Of Profiles
Seiana Spencer-Kendrick
Dating is an action of courage. Creating an intimate connection has become highly desired by the majority of people.
After years of technology being our only source of entertainment and communication, in-person communication skills have declined. While the unease of face-to-face interaction has increased. The overreliance on digital communication has delayed the need for face-to-face social skills.
This includes understanding non-verbal cues, such as body language, eye contact, facial expression, tone of voice, are all now invalid when communicating online.
The early stages of dating take place online. While dating in the past you had to only focus on body language, modern daters must also be fluent in what Hinge experts call Digital Body Language (DBL). This includes emojis, punctuation, message length, even response time.
Hinge’s behavioral science experts found that while a majority of Gen Z Hinge daters want to find love, the worry about rejection is standing in the way. With social anxiety at an all-time high after the pandemic, finding love is a bit more difficult.
The difficulties of the transition from post-quarantine are no stranger to anyone. Even after experiencing these last few years of unrestricted socializing, it continues to impact how Gen Z socializes.
Gen Z Hinge daters are 47% more likely than millennial daters to say the pandemic made them nervous talking to new people. Another 25% say the pandemic made them less confident on a first date.
Though we have been gifted with the opportunity to connect with people worldwide through technology, the satisfaction of in-person interactions has been replaced. Generation Z has made a habit of understanding non-verbal subtexts because they are online more than ever. Becoming more comfortable with chatting with a potential partner online than in real life.
It has developed a negative impact on not just social skills, but also confidence.
After years of seeing bad date story times, unsuccessful relationships, do’s and don’ts of dating videos on varying social media platforms, fear of taking the step towards connection and love grows.
According to Hinge's Love and Connection Expert Moe Ari Brown, we pull back when we feel embarrassed or awkward, especially when stepping out of our comfort zones into something vulnerable. You should acknowledge these feelings and understand that having them does not define your success in dating. Instead, have courage and focus on the potential of making a rewarding connection.
Hearing about the change needed in real-life communication and acknowledging what needs to change to have better social skills, is completely different than making the changes.
Daters should know what they want and communicate it openly from the beginning, even if that means facing rejection. Whether that be on a social media or dating app profile, texting or in real life.
Of course, it is easier said than done, but acknowledging the discomfort and then pushing through it is essential for people looking to build more intimate relationships.
Hinge teamed up with the Foundation for Social Connection to come up with ideas on how to reduce distraction on dates. Hinge's Director of Relationship Science Logan Ury, suggests that the best first date is when you open up and connect.
If you are on a date try not to be on your phone during the date, give your date your undivided attention. It is also important to not just say facts about yourself on your date. You are on a date with someone interested in getting to know you, so try and tell stories that reveal more about yourself.
The last thing to consider on a date is giving your date “room to breathe.” This does not refer to sitting too close or spam texting. Allow yourself to be committed to the entirety of the date. Try to avoid having plans right after because it can be distracting when you’re constantly checking the time.
When you are ready to begin your dating journey and are well prepared in the social skills department, Hinge has a list of date ideas at the end of their Distraction-Free Dating Guide for you to put to use.