Ask Gen Z
TikToker Niki Patton thinks millennials shouldnt use them so seriously.
(Yes, shes built that audience while wrapping up a double major at Rutgers.)
Do you and your friends use dating apps to meet people, and why or why not?
Its just a game.
I know that most people [my age] dont take it so seriously.
Its different for everyone.
Some peopledouse it to just meet new people.
I think during COVID that was such a fun option, especially for college students.
My friends and I use them sometimes just to meet new people, or just as a joke.
What do you think of Tinders new game-y features likeSwipe Nightand Vibes?
I think theyre just encouraging us to take it more lightly, which is a good thing.
Sometimes you meet someone and its just really exciting.
But for the most part, I feel like these features are playing into that.
That makes it romantic.
Is it cringe when people are super intentional and earnest in their bio?
I would be kind of taken aback by someone being super serious in their bio, personally.
So it would definitely stand out.
Getting to know anyone over the internet is hard, so I dont think the channel matters.
Its just how you go about it.
And I wish they had more ways for finding friends.
Do you think Gen Z is taking the lead on changing that?
We all, especially after going through COVID, want connection with other people.
It should be just getting to know people, and if theres a connection with someone, thats amazing.
But I think theres too much pressure the way its set up.
What would the ideal way be to meet someone you might be interested in dating?
Gen Z has this whole romanticize your life bang out of thing going on.
The cutest way to meet someone is in public, when its unexpected.
What would you say makes someones dating profile stand out?
Show your personality, show some funny selfies or something, something that makes it not so serious.
Do you have any other thoughts on being less cringe on dating apps in general?
Talk to them on FaceTime.
All mydating videos, especially during COVID, were aboutFaceTime dates.
With Gen Z, FaceTime dates have become such a huge thing now, and theyre so cute.
*This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
This article was originally published onJan.
