Boomers & Gen Z: Sisters Not Cousins
Generation gap? More like a generation overlap.
Gen Z Wants to Find the One — Here’s What Dating Apps Need to Know
They’re Tired of Hookup Culture, But Your Algorithm Keeps Serving Situationships
Marketers think Gen Z is thriving in hookup culture. Reality check: this isn’t the romantic world Gen Z wants to live in. It’s just the one they’re stuck with.
Our latest insights reveal a stark contrast between perception and reality: 83% say they dream of a monogamous relationship, but only 35% are in one.
This generation is thinking long-term. 62% of Gen Z already have or want children, signaling their orientation toward stability. The emergence of "tradwife" culture, merging hyper-feminine aesthetics with traditional gender roles, reflects a broader search for structure in uncertain times.
Yet they're strategic about partnership. They’re not rushing into anything just for the sake of it. 22% prioritize self-development before serious commitment, proving that they value relationships built on personal growth–hence the reason so many might be playing it casual until they feel ready
Dating apps have inadvertently amplified the casual relationship culture, leaving young daters feeling trapped in an ecosystem that doesn't serve their needs. Gen Z is highly aware of the fact that these platforms are designed to drive engagement metrics rather than meaningful connections. While they use these apps out of necessity, they resist being reduced to data points in a profit-driven algorithm.
To win Gen Z's trust (and swipes), dating platforms should prioritize intentionality through values-based matching, deeper compatibility assessments, and long-term goal alignment features that transcend the quick dopamine hit of a right swipe.
The Most Digital Generation Craves Analog Values (Just With Updated Terms of Service)
Gen Z is Big on Tradition, Just Like Their Grandparents
It's easy to assume a generation raised on cutting-edge technology would reject traditional values, but the largest segment of Gen Z actually shares many of the same aspirations as their grandparents.
And not their grandparents when they were young – but right now. Yes, today's 20-year-olds and 70-year-olds find surprising common ground. They both prioritize stability, tradition, and meaningful human connection. Gen Z seeks stable careers and travel opportunities, with 94% valuing offline relationships equally to online ones. While their lives are digital-first, their fundamental values remain firmly rooted in the analog world.
When building their futures, only 2% aspire to become influencers or full-time content creators. Instead, 67% believe success comes from consistent hard work rather than viral fame. The most popular career choice? Healthcare. This generation isn't chasing the glamorous, jet-setting lifestyle often portrayed on social media; they're seeking grounded success that delivers personal fulfillment alongside financial security.
What does success actually look like for Gen Z? It's not defined by achieving millionaire status (though they wouldn't refuse it). Their primary goal is straightforward: financial stability beyond living paycheck-to-paycheck.
As one 22-year-old woman from Missouri explained, success means "...being in a position where we can help our friends if they ever need anything, without being burdened by it."
Gen Z Wants Traditional Success Without the Permanent Address
Don't Expect Them to Stay in One Zip Code for More Than 18 Months
Gen Z may dream of owning a home, but they're reimagining the concept of a "forever home." While 65% are actively envisioning their white picket fences, just 24% are interested in putting down permanent roots. For this generation, "home" isn't necessarily a fixed address—it's a fluid concept.
They desire the stability of homeownership without the lifetime commitment to one location. 32% of Gen Z are already envisioning or living a nomadic lifestyle, choosing experiences over permanence. This mindset reflects a deeper desire for freedom and adaptability, whether for career advancement, personal growth, or exploration.
"My American dream is to have an investment property and live somewhere else," one respondent shared, highlighting a shift in priorities. The focus isn't on staying in one place, but on building assets and creating opportunities that allow for movement and flexibility. Gen Z isn’t ignoring traditional values like homeownership—they’re just reinterpreting them for a new world that values mobility and the blending of online and offline connections.
For Gen Z, this isn't a retreat from tradition, but a more modern, personalized approach. They still value stability, but in a way that reflects their desire for a holistic, dynamic life. Success, for them, isn't about having a permanent address; it's about having the freedom to create a life that balances work, adventure, and meaningful connections, all while building long-term security.
“Entitled” or just misunderstood? Get the data that will change everything you think you know about Gen Z: DOWNLOAD - GEN Z AND THE AMERICAN DREAM
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