Television and film are influential tools in modern dating, especially for singles who use apps. According to Tinder’s Year in Swipe Report, certain shows shape how people present themselves in their bios. They reveal a mix of global phenomena like Eurovision, Temptation Island, and MasterChef among the most mentioned programs by dating app users in Spain.
Gold medal goes to the titles that dominate profiles. The phrase There’s no one living here appears, followed closely by RuPaul’s Drag Race and the excitement of Drag racing. Rounding out the top mentions are Elite, The Last of Us, Heartstopper, Sex Education, and The Body on Fire, illustrating diverse tastes from reality competition to acclaimed dramas.
Gen Z Tinder users show a surprisingly traditional streak, with going to the movies ranking in the top five first-date activities for 2023. For this audience, cinema holds a special place in dating culture. Films like Barbie, Spider-Man, Avatar, and Oppenheimer rose to prominence on the platform, helping users break the ice and connect, as they appear among the 10 most loved movies by app members.
The power of pop culture and the unifying force of music are evident in the popularity of songs among Tinder users, featuring vocal stars such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna. Music becomes a shared anchor for conversation and connection across generations.
Against a backdrop of global events, Tinder users also show a clear emphasis on safety, mental health, and climate change as key social considerations when meeting someone new. These concerns appear prominently in how people choose to engage and what they look for in a potential partner.
In the same year, the energy of living as if the main character is central to dating mentality—pursuing life with intensity while prioritizing personal growth—wins attention. Singles are steering away from rushing into labels and instead focusing on creating memories and experiences that enrich their individual stories. This shift invites more self-discovery through dating and reduces pressure to fit conventional relationship templates.
Experts observe a broader shift in dating culture, with casual arrangements and consent-based openness becoming more accepted. The idea of a “situation” is less stigmatized, and people are more comfortable crafting their own terms with those they date. As a voice from Tinder’s marketing leadership notes, openness to opportunities has grown, hinting that future dating may lean toward a more affirmative and flexible approach to connection.
Viewed together, these trends suggest a evolving landscape where entertainment choices, music taste, and personal well-being intersect with how people meet, talk, and decide what comes next. The evolving dating scene reflects a desire for autonomy and memorable experiences, rather than rigid labels, shaping a more nuanced social dynamic for 2024 and beyond.