What is the reverse psychology dating trend that is making its way into online dating? Gen Z daters explain

A lot of people think reverse psychology dating trend is rooted in an emotionally cautious and self-protective communication style. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

It seems young daters like a good twist to the tale, and the latest dating trend, reverse psychology backs it up. In a survey conducted by QuackQuack, a dating app, 22% of Gen Z daters explained how they flirt today, not by saying exactly what they feel, but by making it more fun and authentic by strategically saying quite the opposite. This is not meant to manipulate, instead it creates a self-aware, low-pressure, and more organic setup for interactions to flow. The survey was conducted at the beginning of December to understand the emerging new trends among users aged 18 to 26. Participants were selected from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities and from various educational and professional fields for a more comprehensive insight into the new trends. 3 in 5 respondents explained that the Reverse Psychology trend is rooted in an emotionally cautious, self-protective communication style. QuackQuack's Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "We are seeing the new generation break years of manipulative techniques and repurposing them into soft romance that not only gets the job done but also protects their hearts. This generation believes in kindness, and it reflects in the dating trends gaining popularity among the Gen Zs." Also read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru tie the knot in a temple; List of celebs who preferred temple weddings

The anti-compliment

28% of daters from Tier 1 and 2 cities revealed ‘anti-compliment’ as the latest flirting style. The trend encourages people to express their interest in a more playful and mildly sarcastic manner. Raghav (23) from Pune explained, "So instead of saying, 'Whoa, you are so funny,' we say, 'Stop being so funny. I am trying hard not to fall for you.' It's complimenting, plus expressing my intention, but at the same time, none of it is direct, so the other person can't blatantly reject you and break your heart. If they don't feel the same way, they will give subtle signs."

Don't say it, hint it

GenZ daters have been very expressive about how they feel, but on the verge of the new year, they are choosing to express themselves through hints rather than loud words for a quick "vibe check" and gauging compatibility at an early stage. The survey shows that about 19% of women and 15% of men between 22 and 26 are using indirect lines and implications to communicate their intentions. It's a proactive measure to stop directly stating intentions and putting their match in an uncomfortable situation in case they don't reciprocate the same feelings. 26 year old Anwika said, "I often say 'some people are worth the risk' to matches I like. It's got a dual purpose. On the one hand, I am hinting that they are worth it for me, and on the other, I am encouraging them by meaning that I am absolutely worth the risk. If the match is actually interesting, they will pick up the hint. And, honestly, if someone doesn't get something this simple, I might not want to date them."

Humour masked interest

Humour has always been part of GenZ communication, and now it has become a part of their dating technique as well. 4 in 5 users between 20 and 26 disclosed that they sometimes intentionally mask serious feelings with humour. They say it helps keep them relaxed, and it also offers a safe exit door if the match doesn't show the same interest. Ahaan, a 25 year old engineer from Hyderabad, said, "I use humour while flirting all the time. It keeps things light, helps me check my match's comfort level, and if things go south, I can just say 'I was joking' and not lose the friendship as well." Also read: Kanye West has strict rules for wife Bianca Censori; Relationship expert lists possible reasons for West's controlling behaviour