GEORGE NEWS - In an apparent shift, young people are approaching romantic relationships differently. Many are moving away from casual ‘situationships’ toward deeper, emotionally rich connections.
This change is influenced in part by storytelling and period drama aesthetics.
Series such as Bridgerton highlight slow-burn attraction, lingering glances, meaningful dialogue, and thoughtful gestures - dynamics that many Generation Z daters now hope to replicate in real life.
Popular terminology like ‘storybooking’ has emerged to describe this intentional approach: dating “as though in a period drama,” prioritising clarity, emotional availability, and gradual, meaningful progress instead of mixed signals and ghosting.
The trend is reflected in global dating platform data. Research from Tinder shows that more than three-quarters of Gen Z singles want to experience a stronger sense of romance, valuing anticipation, emotional tension, and gradual connection over instant chemistry or transactional interactions.
Intentional dating
This shift is not purely aesthetic. Broader research indicates that many young people are fatigued by the swipe-driven culture of dating apps, where superficial matches are common.
Studies from Pew Research Centre, along with insights from platforms such as Hinge and Bumble, show that users increasingly question the authenticity and emotional depth of online dating.
South African data reflects similar concerns. Local surveys indicate that a majority of Gen Z singles are sceptical of dating profiles and frustrated by behaviours such as ghosting, prompting a shift toward real-world connections, shared experiences, and more intentional relationships.
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