The Influence of Short-Form Content Platforms on Gen Z’s Dating Perceptions and Behaviors


Authors : Sashya Siddhartha; Arpit Darbari

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/32kws989

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/294z9mtk

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1065

Google Scholar

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 15 to 20 days to display the article.


Abstract : In an era where TikTok and Instagram Reels dominate social interaction, dating behaviors have become increasingly influenced by algorithm-driven content consumption. This study examines the impact of short-form media on Gen Z’s romantic experiences, focusing on self-presentation, relationship ideals, and evolving expectations. While these platforms facilitate connections by enabling users to engage with like-minded individuals and fostering open communication, they also contribute to the proliferation of unattainable relationship standards. The constant exposure to curated and idealized portrayals of romance can lead to heightened commitment anxiety and dissatisfaction when real-life relationships fail to align with online narratives. Through survey data, this research explores the intersection of social media and modern dating, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges that arise as romantic norms continue to evolve in the digital landscape.

Keywords : Short-form content, Social Media Platforms, Gen Z, Dating behaviors, Relationships.

References :

  1. Lindholm, C. (2023). Short-Format Video Consumption: Evaluation of Key Quality and UX Aspects for Generation Z (Dissertation). Retrieved from https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-505959
  2. Hernández-Serrano, M. J., Jones, B., Renés-Arellano, P., & Campos Ortuño, R. A. (2022).  Analysis of Digital Self-Presentation Practices and Profiles of Spanish Adolescents on Instagram and TikTok. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research, 11(1), 49-63. doi: 10.7821/naer.2022.1.797
  3.  Marcelino, G. (2015). Migración de los jóvenes españoles en redes sociales, de Tuenti a Facebook y de Facebook a Instagram. La segunda migración. Revista Científica de Comunicación y Tec nologías Emergentes, ICONO14, 14, 48–72. https://doi.org/10.7195/ri14.v13i2.821
  4. Team, M. (2024) The appeal of short-form content and why you can’t stop watching it, AOK Marketing. Available at: https://aokmarketing.com/the-appeal-of-short-form-content-and-why-you-cant-stop-watching-it/#:~:text=The%20role%20of%20social%20media,for%20as%20long%20as%20possible. (Accessed: 18 March 2025).
  5. Xie, J., Xu, X., Zhang, Y., Tan, Y., Wu, D., Shi, M., & Huang, H. (2023). The effect of short-form video addiction on undergraduates' academic procrastination: a moderated mediation model. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1298361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1298361
  6. Monaghan, B. (2024) Six tiktok dating trends that could be ruining your love life according to relationship expert, indy100. Available at: https://www.indy100.com/tiktok/tiktok-dating-trends-ruining-relationships (Accessed: 18 March 2025).
  7. Steinberg, B. (2024) Gen Z’s 2024 dating trends revealed: Why ‘micro-mance’ and ‘future proofing’ are hot right now, New York Post. Available at: https://nypost.com/2024/11/14/lifestyle/gen-zs-2024-dating-trends-revealed-why-micro-mance-and-future-proofing-are-hot-right-now/ (Accessed: 18 March 2025).
  8. Bumble - our 2025 dating trends are in and this is what the data says  (no date) Bumble Buzz. Available at: https://bumble.com/the-buzz/bumble-dating-trends-2025 (Accessed: 18 March 2025).

In an era where TikTok and Instagram Reels dominate social interaction, dating behaviors have become increasingly influenced by algorithm-driven content consumption. This study examines the impact of short-form media on Gen Z’s romantic experiences, focusing on self-presentation, relationship ideals, and evolving expectations. While these platforms facilitate connections by enabling users to engage with like-minded individuals and fostering open communication, they also contribute to the proliferation of unattainable relationship standards. The constant exposure to curated and idealized portrayals of romance can lead to heightened commitment anxiety and dissatisfaction when real-life relationships fail to align with online narratives. Through survey data, this research explores the intersection of social media and modern dating, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges that arise as romantic norms continue to evolve in the digital landscape.

Keywords : Short-form content, Social Media Platforms, Gen Z, Dating behaviors, Relationships.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe