Swipe right on status: All about ‘throning’, Gen Z's most shallow, clout-chasing dating trend

Throning is the new dating trend amongst Gen Z. (Representational)

A new dating trend called "throning" is reshaping how young people approach dating. Rather than seeking genuine connection or love, individuals engaged in "throning" aim to date those with higher social or economic status, hoping to boost their own social standing. With Gen Z increasingly vocal about such dating practices, "throning" has become a way to gain social clout, leaving true emotional connection in the dust.

Unlike traditional relationships where mutual attraction and shared values are key, "throning" puts a partner on a metaphorical "throne" for their social perks alone. It is less about genuine connection and more about aligning with someone whose status or following might elevate one’s own visibility. This shift has gained momentum alongside social media's influence, where a large follower count or an aspirational lifestyle has become the new marker of desirability.

A study published in Science Advances notes that dating app users frequently aim to match with partners who are roughly "25 percent more desirable than themselves." While this isn’t inherently harmful, as expanding social circles is a natural part of dating, problems arise when relationships become a tool solely for social elevation.

The Swaddle points out, "The problem arises when one’s motivation to date another is driven solely by their social aspirations, rather than romantic interest, attraction, or affection."

Stacy Thomson, founder of the matchmaking app Reddi, cautions that such superficial connections often lack lasting depth. Speaking to Indy100, she explained, “While it may give temporary confidence or entry into a particular circle, a relationship based primarily on social status often lacks both the depth and stability that come from shared values and emotional intimacy."

She adds, "It’s very important for people engaging in this trend to take a step back and think about their reasons for doing so and how it will affect them and their partner in the long run."

This trend reflects a larger shift in modern dating influenced by social media, where a person's online presence and follower count often determine their appeal. As "throning" continues to rise, terms like "clout chasing" are also entering everyday language, used to describe those willing to pursue status at the expense of meaningful connections.

A recent survey by dating app Plenty of Fish predicts trends for the coming year, including "yap-trapping," where one person dominates the conversation, and "freak matching," a light-hearted nod to finding someone who aligns with niche or unconventional interests. In contrast, "freak matching" offers a glimpse of connection through shared quirks, a world apart from the social hierarchy games of "throning."

While "throning" may offer short-term social perks, experts like Thomson stress that genuine fulfilment comes from authentic, mutual respect and shared values.