Hi, I'm Yuna Kawamura, a second-year university student! Today I want to share about Gen Z love life, including real experiences and insights.
Our generation's approach to romance, having grown up with social media as the norm, is honestly completely different from our parents' generation. We check each other's daily lives through Instagram stories, learn dating techniques from TikTok "relatable" videos... Let me explain in detail about us digital natives and our love culture!
How Social Media Changed Gen Z Dating
For us Gen Z, meeting people through social media is common sense. Rather than approaching someone directly, relationships often start by reacting to Instagram stories or commenting on TikTok videos.
Actually, my friend connected with a classmate through Instagram first, and they naturally became close while liking each other's stories. **Social media is an important tool for us to get to know someone at a "safe distance."**
Dating apps are also common in our generation, especially Tinder and similar platforms. While the older generation might call them "dating sites" with negative connotations, for us they're just another normal place to meet people. In fact, we think they're more efficient than real-life meetings because you can learn about someone's hobbies and values beforehand.
New Romance Patterns Born from Online Classes
The increase in online classes during the pandemic created new romantic patterns. People started developing crushes through Zoom screens and sending DMs after class. It's surprising how you can think "this person seems wonderful" just from their vibe and way of speaking through a screen.
Instagram Stories: The Modern Love Barometer
In Gen Z romance, Instagram stories are extremely important. We measure "interest levels" by how often someone views and reacts to our stories.
**Checking story "views" has become a daily routine.** When someone you're interested in appears at the top of your viewers list, you think "maybe they're interested in me too?" Conversely, when someone who used to always view your stories suddenly stops, you worry "did something happen?"
"Hinting" through stories is also part of our love culture. Posting something like "Today is a special day ♡" and waiting for the other person to notice... this kind of thing is totally normal. Indirect approaches feel more natural to our generation.
Learning Dating Techniques from TikTok
TikTok has tons of "relatable" videos and dating technique content. "Questions to ask your crush series" or "How to recognize signs of interest" - there's a lot of helpful content.
I often talk with friends about "should we try the technique from this video?" Of course, we don't take everything at face value, but many videos offer useful communication tips.
Gen Z's Unique Approach to Love
Our Gen Z approach to romance differs significantly from traditional dating. First, **we really value "pre-relationship dynamics."** Rather than sudden confessions, we prefer building a "good vibe" relationship first and letting it naturally develop into a romantic relationship.
Even in relationships, we prioritize respecting each other's personal time and hobbies. For couples who are both into "oshi-katsu" (supporting favorite idols/celebrities), the ideal relationship involves supporting each other's favorites and going to concerts together.
Gender-Neutral Approach to Romance
A characteristic of Gen Z is our flexible thinking about gender. Many of us don't subscribe to traditional dating rules like "men should pay" or "women should be modest." Splitting the bill on dates is normal, and we seek relationships where we can consider each other's burden.
We also have deep understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and a foundation for accepting diverse forms of love. We're open about romance and prioritize building relationships where we can value our authentic selves.
Precautions for Social Media-Era Romance
Of course, there are things to be careful about in SNS-centered romance. The most important thing to watch out for is **the gap between someone's social media persona and their real self.**
Posted photos are often edited, and the daily life shared in stories only captures the "good parts." Sometimes when you actually meet, you think "huh?" That's why it's important to meet in person relatively early.
The Importance of Digital Detox
Being too dependent on social media can lead to exhaustion from worrying too much about the other person's posts. Thoughts like "Why didn't they like my post?" or "They posted a photo with that person..." can make romance stressful if you overthink.
Sometimes **it's necessary to put down your phone and cherish real-life moments.** Time spent talking face-to-face and experiencing things together is what builds genuine relationships.
Future Predictions for Gen Z Romance
I think Gen Z romance will become even more digitized in the future. New forms of dating using technology like VR dates or meetings in the metaverse might emerge.
But no matter how much technology develops, **"caring feelings for others" and "enjoying being together" won't change.** Social media is a convenient tool, but ultimately real human connections are most important, and we shouldn't forget that.
Gen Z romance has freedom from traditional values while also having digital-era complexities. But maybe that's also part of our unique approach to love. Let's use social media wisely while having wonderful romantic relationships!
