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

Recently an online dating app observed nostalgia is a powerful emotion that plays a significant role in matchmaking among the younger generationsthe Gen Z and the MillennialsFor 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 12000 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 maleThe dating and matchmaking apps 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 smoothflowing 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 connectionsGood old days26 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 upNostalgia gives deeper insight43 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 Its 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 wayConversation starter19 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 understoodImpact on dating preference32 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 todays 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 matchesLove for the 90s eraConsidering that Gen Z was born between the mid1990 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 90s 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 timeThese 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 sentimentsAlso Read Watching food videos help satisfy cravings without triggering weight gain Chef Sanjeev Kapoor on food content in India