Tinder users were less concerned about where their relationships were headed and more interested in creating memorable experiences this year, according to a new report.
A survey of 4,000 users between 18-25 years old in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia was conducted between Apr. 21 and Apr. 25 to determine the most popular dating trends of 2023.
According to the dating app’s findings, the year was marked by overarching themes of positivity, optimism, and a focus on bettering one’s self through making connections with others.
This attitude was echoed by its most used emoji, which was the “🔛” sign denoting an “always on” attitude among swipers. Meanwhile, commonly shared songs came from powerhouse female pop stars, like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna.
Taylor Swift was the top Spotify artist on Tinder, Miley Cyrus’s bop “Flowers” was the fourth most popular anthem added to profiles, and Rihanna saw a 52-per cent spike in her songs being added following her performance at the Superbowl.
READ MORE: Your Spotify Wrapped is now out! Here’s who Toronto listened to the most in 2023
Furthermore, according to Tinder there was a shift towards “utilizing dating as a source of self-fulfillment,” and not being attached to an outcome.
The abbreviation N.A.T.O (not attached to outcomes) was used by 27 per cent of 18-25 year olds using Tinder’s Relationship Type feature, while 22 per cent of people using the Relationship Goals feature said they were still figuring out what they were looking for.
“It’s so exciting to see the data at Tinder shows that 69 per cent of Gen Z are looking to challenge conventional dating and relationship norms,” Melissa Hobley, chief marketing officer at Tinder, said in a press release.
“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,” Hobley continued.
Moreover, the phrase “dating for the plot” gained momentum on Tinder globally, with more than a five-fold increase in its appearance in user bios.
Quality time was also a popular love language aon Tinder this year.
Fifty-one per cent of surveyed young singles said they were open to new ways of fitting dating around their daily schedules, and 50 per cent of those using Tinder’s Love Styles feature said they prefer time together over the other love styles, such as touch, thoughtful gestures, compliments and presents.
Canadian users listed mental health as their top social cause in Canada, followed by human rights, feminism, climate change and the environment. While the most attractive interests in Canada were pilates, hot yoga, equestrian and skincare.
