Teens are now dating primarily through social media, and as a parent, it’s crucial to understand how this new landscape works. A little while back, my son, Alex, started seeing a girl named Mia. I assumed they had met in real life, considering how much he talked about her. He knew everything from her favorite pizza topping to the name of her dog. But, to my surprise, they had never actually met face to face.
When I asked him if he’d met Mia in person, he looked at me like I was from the Stone Age. “Mom, we talk all the time on Instagram and Snapchat,” he replied, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. To him, all those video calls and chats meant they knew each other well, despite the lack of an actual meeting.
After a few weeks, they finally met up, but things didn’t go as planned, and they broke it off. “What happened?” I probed. “Well, they met, that’s what,” my daughter chimed in from another room, providing a blunt but clear answer.
This is how kids these days are connecting. They initiate relationships on platforms like Snapchat, where they can share pictures, chat, and even get introduced through mutual friends. Alex and Mia had a “thing” for several months before they ever met, and they took it seriously. It’s interesting, and honestly a bit shocking, to see that having a virtual relationship is completely normal for them.
Meanwhile, my daughter, Lily, is in a similar situation with a new guy. They chat and FaceTime constantly but haven’t met yet. However, they’ve committed to having a “thing” exclusively with each other, which is a rule they seem to take seriously.
What I’ve Learned About Gen Z Dating Habits
Here are a few things I’ve learned about Gen Z dating habits. First off, they genuinely connect through social media, and it’s essential we acknowledge that. If we dismiss it as trivial, our kids might shut us out of these conversations altogether. Things have changed significantly since we were teenagers, but that doesn’t mean our experiences were better. In fact, dating online allows them to build connections from the safety of their homes, giving them control over when they meet.
Despite my acceptance of this new norm, I still enforce some safety precautions. For instance, before Lily meets her new guy, I make sure I’ve seen pictures of him and that I’ve talked to her about their relationship. When they do meet, I insist on either hosting him at our house or dropping her off at a public place like a café. I’ll be nearby to ensure everything goes smoothly, which, of course, doesn’t sit well with them. They want freedom, but I’m not about to let my kids wander off with a stranger.
The Reality of Teen Dating Today
This is the reality of teen dating today. Even if I find it a bit odd, it’s their norm. I bite my tongue and keep my protective measures in place because some things never change, and safety will always be a priority.
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Conclusion
In summary, understanding how teens date today through social media is key for parents. While it may feel foreign to us, it’s essential to engage with our kids and ensure their safety without dismissing their experiences.
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