The State of the Date in 2023: An Overview
Tinder’s annual “Year in Swipe” report is back, offering a fascinating glimpse into the dating habits and preferences of singles in 2023. This year’s trends highlight a shift in mindset among daters, with a newfound emphasis on creating memorable experiences rather than fixating on the direction of relationships.
Themes of Positivity and Optimism
2023 was characterized by an overarching sense of positivity and optimism in the dating world. Singles focused on self-improvement and forging connections with others. The prevalent use of the ‘always on’ emoji on Tinder underscores this attitude, reflecting a readiness to embrace new experiences and relationships.
Influence of Pop Culture and Music
Pop culture and music significantly influenced dating trends, particularly through the popularity of female pop icons like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna. Their music not only provided a soundtrack for daters but also played a role in bringing people together.
Embracing the ‘Main Character Energy’
A striking trend of 2023 was the adoption of ‘main character energy’ by singles. This approach involves focusing on accumulating experiences and stories rather than rushing towards a traditional ‘happily ever after’. It represents a lighthearted, optimistic way of engaging with the dating process, allowing for greater self-exploration.
Emerging Dating Trends: N.A.T.O and Dating For The Plot
Two key trends stood out this year: N.A.T.O (Not Attached To an Outcome) dating and Dating For The Plot. N.A.T.O dating signifies a preference for enjoying the dating journey without being overly concerned about the relationship’s outcome. Conversely, Dating For The Plot emphasizes the excitement of new experiences and stories over a goal-oriented approach to dating.
Melissa Hobley, Chief Marketing Officer at Tinder, commented, “It’s so exciting to see the data at Tinder shows that 69% of Gen Z want to challenge conventional dating and relationship norms. This year in particular marked a major shift where the journey is more important than the outcome. This new generation of daters is showing us what it means to date for the possibilities, freeing themselves from traditional expectations, allowing them to write their own, worthwhile stories.”
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What Was Hot on Tinder in 2023
- Always ‘On’ Emoji: Signifying openness and optimism, the ‘ON’ emoji was a global favorite, reflecting a willingness to try new things and explore relationships.
- N.A.T.O Dating: Over a quarter of young Tinder users expressed interest in exploring connections without being fixated on outcomes.
- Main Character Energy: Singles embraced their stories, focusing on creating memories and experiences, with an increased use of terms like “for the plot” in their bios.
- De-Influenced Delulu: A playful yet self-aware approach to dating emerged, with daters acknowledging and enjoying the fantastical aspects of dating.
- Time as a Valuable Currency: 2023 saw an emphasis on time management in dating, with singles exploring various ways to integrate dating into their busy schedules.
- Girl Power: Female artists dominated Tinder’s music scene, with anthems by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna resonating strongly with users.
Tinder’s “Year in Swipe” for 2023 reveals a dynamic and evolving dating landscape. With a focus on positivity, self-discovery, and memorable experiences, singles are reshaping what it means to date in today’s world. This report not only reflects current trends but also provides insights into the future of dating and relationships.
