Badoo Research Reveals How Social Media Fuels ‘Icks’

The ‘ick’ is a common trend in modern dating and more strange ‘icks’ are being revealed fuelled by social media. 

Research conducted by Badoo has revealed that 82% of users have experienced the ‘ick’ and 78% have ended a relationship because of it. 

When asked where these ‘icks’ have stemmed from, 35% revealed that they are influenced by ‘icks’ they have seen discussed on social media platforms. This is supported by the fact that 77% said that they discovered more of their own ‘icks’ by picking them up via ‘ick’ related content.

Two thirds of singletons believe that trends such as ‘He’s a 10 but…’ are affecting their ability to make connections. 45% of people say they find themselves second guessing connections they have made, and 35% feel more pressure to find a genuine connection.

Daters (35%) admit that it is a form of self sabotage with 43% saying they get the ‘ick’ as the connection feels too good to be true. 42% admit they use it as a defence mechanism to prevent themselves from getting hurt.

Despite the fact that a large majority of people have admitted to getting an ‘ick’, 88% of singles would advise their friends to push past this, especially if it was something minor. In order to combat this, Badoo has partnered with dating and relationship expert Sarah Louise Ryan:

“Social media is such an influence in our day-to-day lives – shaping how we think, feel and even make decisions. When it comes to dating, it plays a major role here, too. We’re seeing more and more ‘ick’ related content trending online and this is clearly having a direct impact on how singles approach a new relationship – as they try to navigate whether what they’re feeling is genuine, or enforced by something they’ve been encouraged to believe is an ‘ick’. It’s time we cut the pressure and focus on what’s important – which is ultimately the best way to enjoy dating! Here are my top tips to do just that:

1. Consider what is actually important to you – If you start to feel things that make you feel ‘icky’ about the person you’re dating then consider if that ick is superficial. If it’s something fickle such as the shoes they wear, remember we are compatible with people based on both similarities and differences, so try to embrace them as opposed to being put-off by them.

1. Shift your mindset – It’s hard to not be influenced by others, and by what you see on social media, but if you want to create a positive dating journey you have to focus on what you want and ignore the ‘icks’ you know you don’t relate to – you’ll end up building a more joyful and positive experience this way.

1. Take ownership of your dating journey – When we say “I’ve got the ick”, we say it as if we can’t control it.  Instead, try to take ownership and really think about how you feel – irregardless of the ‘ick’. If you still don’t feel a connection, it could be best you part ways. But if something’s there, it’s worth trying to push past any ‘ick’.
2. Work out what’s causing the ick – A way to overcome getting the ‘ick’ time and time again is to think hard about what’s causing it. If it’s the same scenario and set of circumstances making you feel icky, then maybe there’s more to it than what’s on the surface. Perhaps it’s something deeper like getting clear on what’s hurt you in the past so you can acknowledge, deal and heal, to create a more positive and successful dating journey.”

Remy Le Fevre, Global Head of Brand Engagement and Influence at Badoo adds “At Badoo, we’re all about zero-pressure dating. Whilst we know that getting the ‘ick’ is real, we also know that the growing conversation around fickle icks, and the trends on social media, can have a lasting impact on how single people feel – potentially  stopping them from making a genuine connection with someone new. We strongly encourage daters to focus on the connection in front of them, enjoy the experience, and not let silly icks get in the way of meeting someone great.”