Hey everyone! It's Yuna, your Gen Z writer ✨ Today, I want to dive deep into our generation's approach to love and relationships!
Have you ever had your parents or older colleagues say they "just don't understand young people's dating values"? Honestly, from our perspective, it's like, "Why don't YOU understand US?"
But real talk - maybe our Gen Z approach to love really IS that different. As digital natives, we can't separate romance from technology. Balancing our stan culture with dating is totally normal, and meeting someone on a dating app? No big deal.
Why Gen Z Dating Values Are So Radically Different
So why do people say Gen Z (born 1997-2012) dating values are "wild"? It's because as **digital natives**, the very nature of romance has transformed for us.
First off, social media isn't just a "tool" for us - it's literally part of our lives. Checking your crush's Instagram stories and sliding into DMs are all part of the dating game.
Older generations tell us to "talk face-to-face," but honestly, why? Having deep conversations on LINE until 3 AM or sending daily "good morning" and "good night" messages on Instagram DMs - isn't that real communication too?
The Blurred Lines Between Digital and Real-Life Romance
I have a friend who scrolls through their phone even during dates with their boyfriend. But it's not because they're "not into each other" - they're **valuing both togetherness and individual space**.
For Gen Z, the definition of "being together" has evolved. Physical presence isn't the only way to be "together." Playing online games as a couple or having synchronized Netflix watch parties - these are legitimate dates for us.
Personally, watching my bias's live streams with my boyfriend is one of our best date activities. Sharing the same emotions while watching the same content, even through a screen - isn't that incredibly romantic?
Stan Culture and Dating: Why Not Both?
"I can't date because I have a bias" or "I need to quit fangirling once I get a boyfriend" - these ideas are SO outdated! For Gen Z, **going all-in on both stan culture and romance** is the norm.
I know tons of couples who attend concerts together, shop for merch as a date activity. Actually, a partner who understands and respects your "bias" is the ideal boyfriend/girlfriend.
Why Gen Z Separates Stan Love from Romantic Love
People always ask about this, but the answer is simple: **the love for your bias and love for your partner are completely different emotions**.
Love for your bias is a mix of admiration, support, and respect. Love for your partner is based on comfort, trust, and empathy. They're totally different, so of course we can have both!
Honestly, if someone doesn't understand your stan activities, your values are just too different. For us, being a stan isn't just a hobby - it's a reason for living.
Dating Apps: Not Just "Meeting Places" But "One of Many Options"
We can't talk about Gen Z dating without mentioning dating apps. But for us, dating apps aren't anything special - they're just **one of many ways to meet people**.
University clubs, part-time jobs, Instagram DMs, dating apps... they're all equal "meeting places." Where you met doesn't matter. What matters is whether your values align.
The Real Reasons We Use Dating Apps
Let me be real about why I use dating apps:
1. **Efficiency** - Why bother with group dates when you can find matches on your phone?
2. **Transparency** - Seeing hobbies and values upfront feels safer
3. **Easy exits** - If it's not working, you can fade out without guilt
4. **More options** - You can find someone who truly matches you from a larger pool
Isn't this incredibly logical? For us who don't want to waste time or money, dating apps are the perfect tool.
"Cost Performance" and "Time Performance" in Gen Z Romance
This brings us to two key Gen Z values: "cost performance" and "time performance." These are crucial in our approach to dating too.
**Cost performance** isn't just about money. It includes emotional burden, time investment - all "costs" weighed against the "happiness" gained. This is our framework for romantic decisions.
**Time performance** is similar. How fulfilling can our romance be within our limited time? That's why we avoid pointless games and meaningless "chase" dynamics.
What Makes Romance "Cost-Effective"?
Here's what Gen Z considers "cost-effective romance":
- Relationships that respect each other's time
- Heartfelt handmade gifts over expensive presents
- Cozy home dates over Instagram-worthy fancy restaurants
- Maintaining individual time rather than being possessive
Basically, we **prioritize genuine happiness over appearances and status**. Isn't this actually a pretty healthy approach to love?
Conclusion: Gen Z Love Is Evolution, Not Degradation
Yes, our Gen Z approach to romance might be different from previous generations. But it's not "degradation" - it's evolution.
Mastering digital tools, enjoying both stan culture and romance, considering cost and time performance while pursuing genuine happiness - this is our dating style in the Reiwa era.
There's no "right" way to love, and generational differences in values are natural. What matters is understanding and respecting each other's perspectives.
Did this help you understand Gen Z dating values a bit better? We're serious about love too - just in our own way. We'll keep enjoying romance in our unique style!
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more real Gen Z dating insights ✨
