Study: Gen Z, Gender Roles, & Online Dating
A new study of 15,000 singles has revealed how Gen Z are redefining traditional gender roles on dating apps. Younger generations are seeing change when it comes to chivalry, vulnerability, and who makes the first move.
After a study of 15,000 daters between 18 and 30, QuackQuack revealed that 43% of Gen Z, compared with 21% of Millennials, see an evolution in the traditional gender roles of online dating.
Making the first move
Making the first move on a dating app was long seen as the responsibility of men. Starting the conversation and asking someone out on an IRL date were tasks assigned to men, 29% of men above 30 agreed in this study.
However analysis showed that this is changing among Gen Z, with more individuals feeling empowered to make the first move, regardless of their own gender. For example, 23% of men under 28 have experienced a woman making the first move.
A new look for chivalry
Chivalry and acts of kindness are also being reshaped by younger generations. 45% of users between 18 and 25 highlighted that Gen Z daters take acts of respect and consideration as the new form of chivalry.
Both men and women are now getting involved in traditional expectations of chivalry. 18% of men shared that they’ve experienced women holding a door open, offering to pay the entire bill, and buying them flowers on the first date.
Women pointed out that chivalry can look like different things at different times. 37% of women said chivalry can include thoughtful messages, communications to check-up on them, shared responsibilities, and simply going the extra mile.
Vulnerability in the modern day
Traditional gender roles see men as stoic, unemotional creatures. This is slowly changing with Gen Z, with 47% of these young daters agreeing that this expectation is now evolving.
Gen Z is open to emotional vulnerability, recognising it as part of authenticity and going about it without fear of judgment, QuackQuack highlights.
Handling rejections
Traditional conceptions of online dating expected men to put their neck on the line, and for women to be the ones dealing out rejection. However, 21% of GenZ daters between 20 and 26 believe that rejection is now equally a man’s game.
For example, 18% of women revealed that they’ve been rejected by a match for conflicting values or perspectives.
QuackQuack’s Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal, gave his perspective on the study saying: “We currently have 28M+ users, and from close observation, we have seen a remarkable and consistent change in the gender dynamics. We’ve observed a significant shift, with women confidently taking the initiative and men embracing vulnerability, expressing emotions more openly than the preceding generation of daters. Online dating is heading in the right direction when it comes to gender equality”.
