Gen Z are ‘too embarrassed’ to approach someone they like in person (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep / SWNS)
A new study has revealed that Generation Z dislike online dating, but for many, it’s the only way they know how to find love. A poll of 2,080 adults found that one in 10 (9%) Gen Z adults said they resent online dating, yet 46% say they do not know any other way to find love.
It found 78% of under 28s wish they could meet their true love more traditionally, longing for the « olden days » of romance. Two thirds of Gen Z would still prefer to be asked out by someone in person, rather than via text (19%) or social media (6%). A fifth often ditch the apps but then download them again in just a matter of days.
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For 74% of younger adults today’s swiping culture lacks the charm of classic gestures like handwritten notes and unexpected acts of affection. And one-third of respondents believe ‘romance is dead’.
Nearly half (44%) wish unexpected acts of affection were more common in today’s dating world. The poll highlighted a clear appetite for small, thoughtful gestures over grand displays as 51% claim small, thoughtful acts of love mean more than grand, over-the-top ones.
When it comes to romantic surprises, people would love to receive a surprise bunch of flowers (40%), a handwritten letter (35%), or chocolate covered strawberries (22%).
The study was commissioned by Trü Frü, to launch its nationwide Trü Love Hotline, allowing people to surprise someone special with a delivery of its strawberries in white & milk chocolate in time for Valentine’s Day.
A spokesperson for the frozen snack brand said: “Dating can be tough, even for the younger generation who are only just starting out on their journey to find love.
“Whether it’s the thought of putting everything out there only for it not to work out, or being too scared to say how you really feel, there are lots of reasons to think you should stay single.”
Nearly half 44% wish unexpected acts of affection were more common in modern dating (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep / SWNS)
It also emerged that 50% believe it’s harder to find true love nowadays than in the pre-digital era, with 74% wishing they could go back to that time to experience timeless, romantic gestures. A fifth often ditch the apps but then download them again in just a matter of days.
In-person interaction remains a huge hurdle as 83% admitted to being too embarrassed to approach someone they like in person or express their true feelings.
A spokesperson for the frozen fruit brand added: “Romance might be ‘dead’ for some people but a small gesture, such as surprising them with their favourite snack, can go a long way to finding true love.
“If you don’t know how to tell someone you care or you’re scared to say how you really feel, we’re here to play cupid and spread the love with the gift that they can’t say no to.”
The hotline is open today and tomorrow between 10am-5pm via WhatsApp on +44 7404 104971, with the surprise delivery arriving with a personalised secret admirer note.
