As a member of Generation Z, I’ve noticed that our approach to relationships is vastly different from that of our predecessors. We’re more likely to meet people online, have casual hookups, and avoid committing to long-term relationships. And it’s not just me – my peers have shared similar experiences and feelings about our generation’s dating habits. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that GenZ relationships are effed up.
Perhaps it’s because we’ve grown up in a world where everything is instant, and we’re used to getting what we want with a few swipes and clicks. The idea of waiting for something, or someone, seems foreign and almost outdated. We’re so focused on instant gratification that we don’t take the time to build genuine connections with people.
It’s also a generational trait to prioritize our individualistic values over those of the collective. This translates into our relationships as well – we’re more likely to prioritize our own needs and wants over our partners’ and may lack the willingness to compromise. We’re more likely to ghost someone we’re seeing than to have a difficult conversation and break things off. It’s easier to ignore someone than to deal with the emotional fallout of a breakup.
And let’s not forget about the role social media plays in our relationships. We’re constantly bombarded with images of happy couples, idealized versions of love, and filtered photos that make everyone look flawless. It’s easy to feel inadequate and compare our relationships to what we see online. We may even seek validation through likes and comments, rather than focusing on building a real connection with our partner.
It’s not just the dating culture that’s effed up, either. The rise of hookup culture has made it even harder to find a genuine connection with someone. We’re more likely to engage in casual sex than to take the time to get to know someone on a deeper level. Hooking up may be fun and exciting, but it can also leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled in the long run.
What’s even more concerning is the effect this is having on our mental health. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are on the rise among GenZ, and our approach to relationships may be contributing to these issues. We’re so focused on instant gratification and the next hookup that we don’t take the time to prioritize our emotional well-being. We may end up feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, and alone, even when we’re surrounded by people.
So, what’s the solution? How do we fix our effed-up relationships? It’s not easy, but it starts with a shift in our mindset. We need to prioritize building genuine connections with people, rather than just seeking instant gratification. We need to be willing to have difficult conversations and work through the ups and downs of a real relationship.
We also need to be more mindful of our social media use and the effect it has on our self-esteem and relationships. It’s important to remember that what we see online is often not an accurate representation of real life and that comparison is the thief of joy.
Finally, we need to prioritize our mental health and emotional well-being. We need to be aware of the impact our relationships have on our mental health and be willing to take the steps necessary to care for ourselves.
This piece is very educative and I hope it reaches out to millions of people out there.
I highly recommend this to #THE GEN.Z#