Tinder Revealed Its Biggest Trends For 2020, And Pandemic Dating Was Weird
The meaning of virtual dating changed in 2020, it was a weird time to test the waters, and even pursue fresh relationships.
Dating quickly went from drinks and dinner to Facetime dates, and Tinder has released its end of year stats about all the new dating habits, and it’s surprising what has worked and what hasn’t in the new dating landscape!
1. Apparently we couldn’t stop talking about toilet paper
Mentions of toilet paper went up by 290% and the toilet paper emoji was used more 60x more than last year. Wow, that just says a lot of about what this year has been doesn’t it? If you want an example of the obsession then this cheesy pick-up line is the perfect example - One ply...two ply...three ply....waiting for that re-ply.
2. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s WAP was Tinder user’s the anthem of the year.
However not only was the banger’s popularity that inspired the sex-positive messaging in many bios, but it’s also WAP found a new meaning on tinder - weak-ass pick-up lines
3. The Shrug Emoji was the most used emoji
I feel like everyone would agree, that the shrug emoji was a mood for like 80% of the year, so it makes sense people figured out a way to flirt with too.
4. People were not afraid to blend the world of politics and love
With this absolute garbage-fire of a year and all the political unrest that has affected the whole world, particularly Gen Z was not afraid to share their political views in the early stages of talking to someone on Tinder and were laying down political deal-breakers in their bio
5. Everyone was swiping twice as much as they normally do.
According to Tinder, both messaging and swiping on the app were up double digits by the end of the year compared to the distant pre-pandemic days of February. When you have more free time, and if it’s not TikTok what else are you going to do?
6. Gen Z used the platform to more than just flirting
According to Tinder, Gen Z used the app to vent, protest, celebrate, laugh AND date. When all you can do to escape your daily routine is go online, I understand why the presence of someone would become more dynamic on Tinder.
7. Tiger King also managed to take over Tinder
Unpopular opinion, I think we were all obsessed with Tiger King only because we had nothing better to do and not because it was mind-blowing but then that’s just me 🤷 (see what I did there?). People couldn’t get enough of the Carole Baskin debate, and well, everything Joe King.
8. TikTok & Tinder were a match made in heaven
TikTok mentions grew 8x in 2020 and peaked in May. They asked the other person to share their taste, by asking matches to send some all-time favourite TikToks, or some they’d made themselves. People also were totally supportive if you bragged if you have clout from being TikTok famous.
Nothing says romance like being social media famous and attempting thirst traps and dance challenges.
9. No mask, no date, soz mate.
Thank god for being socially responsible, so proud of Gen Z actually caring about their health and of others as well. To quote a user “If you mask is under your chin, IDFWU.”
10. Being grounded, bloomed international love affairs.
Borders being closed had the opposite effect, suddenly people were keen on pursuing people outside of their country and making plans to meet in 2021. If that’s not something to look forward to, then I don’t know what is.
Another interesting 2020 wrap-up report, we’re keen to see if the dating game will change in 2021, or if pandemic dating trends will continue to live-on.
