Shared nostalgia key determinant in matchmaking among Gen Z and Millennials: Study

Gen Z and Millennials explain how they love building new connections based on shared nostalgia when looking for a partner. It gives them a deeper insight into their matches' lives and also helps in having a free-flowing conversation

Recently, an online dating app observed, nostalgia is a powerful emotion that plays a significant role in matchmaking among the younger generations-the Gen Z and the Millennials. 

For this, the online dating app QuackQuack conducted a comprehensive survey using a structured questionnaire to explore and study the degree to which nostalgia acts as a matchmaker among these age groups. A total of 12,000 individuals between 18 to 32 from both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities participated in the survey. The population consisted of Gen Z and Millennials, with 48 per cent of participants identifying as female and 52 per cent identifying as male.

The dating and matchmaking app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "We currently have 26 million users, and 31 per cent of these have, at least once, used nostalgia to their advantage, for finding a suitable partner, icebreakers and for more smooth-flowing conversation or even to impress a match. We are currently noticing this trend gaining traction, suggesting a strong correlation between shared nostalgia and forming new connections."
 
Good old days
26 per cent of individuals, both Gen Z and Millennials, explain how they love building new connections based on shared nostalgia - cartoons, pop culture references, TV shows, movies and music. It brings back memories of the good old times when things were simpler and the burden of life had not fallen on their shoulders. It is also fascinating to see how most people have lived through the same or at least similar experiences while growing up.

Nostalgia gives deeper insight
43 per cent of Millennials between 28 and 32 find discussing nostalgic topics like what their favourite TV series and favourite games to play were when growing up. This helps build better bonds of friendship and even romance. It gives a deeper insight into their matches' lives and also works to remove any awkwardness from the interaction. It's a conversational topic that flows without disruption, helping people get to know each other better. 24 per cent of these people disclosed that nostalgia had played a role in helping them connect with others in a romantic and platonic way. 

Conversation starter
19 per cent of female Gen Z between 20 and 25 reported using nostalgic topics as a conversation starter when getting to know someone. People living away from home due to work and studies enjoy discussing their favourite food, especially homemade food, with a new match. They believe that having shared nostalgic experiences with a potential partner or friend makes them feel more connected and understood.

Impact on dating preference
32 per cent of individuals from metros and smaller cities admitted actively seeking out individuals with similar nostalgic interests to form more profound connections. Millennials, for example, love discussing the transition from no technological support growing up to the massive advancement of tech and its presence in every sphere of life. Going to internet cafes to play games and for studying purposes seem strange and almost unreal in today's day and age. The way people fell in love in those days, with no phones, no video calls and no instant messaging, makes it seem more romantic today and makes for a very intriguing subject to discuss, especially with a potential romantic connection, say these individuals. The Gen Z individuals love reminiscing about their school days and exchanging notes on how their lives looked so much alike their new matches.

Love for the 90s era
Considering that Gen Z was born between the mid-1990 and early 2010, they are inclined towards all things 90s. 25 per cent of men and women between 18 to 25 from both Tier 1 and 2 cities prefer matching with people who share the same sense of sentiment for the simpler days. Starting from 90's fashion- baggy jeans and oversized clothes, the vintage look such as the mullet hairstyle for men and shag and fringes for women, movies and sitcoms, Gen Z is hopping on the nostalgia express and taking a trip down the 90s and times well before their time. 

These young individuals also expressed how nostalgia is a form of escapism from the mundane reality of life, helping people reach out for a simpler time that existed once but no more. People love connecting with other individuals who share and understand these sentiments. 

Also Read: 'Watching food videos help satisfy cravings without triggering weight gain': Chef Sanjeev Kapoor on food content in India

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