In the face of economic crises, climate anxieties, and global wars, people are seeking solace through connection. They want to be sure someone will hold their hand in the face of hardship. As a result, they have higher expectations of care and understanding from interactions with brands, social systems, and p...

People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

From digital body language to fears of rejection (not to mention screen grabbing), and the pandemic robbing many of face-to-face dating experiences, the world of Gen Z dating is a complicated place. What are the new rules and rituals of dating – and how are they shaped on social media?

Tinder's Future of Dating report has revealed that Gen Zers are prioritising authenticity and emotional intelligence in their dating lives, with qualities such as loyalty and communication trumping looks. It highlights how young people are ditching dating games in favour of authentic connections.

In the US, Gen Zers are the loneliest generation. While always-on digital communities are frequently blamed, pandemic lockdowns and turbulent world events have also taken their toll. What can brands do to help people foster deeper connections and more enriching relationships?

NCL Dates' speed-dating service has provided a timely antidote for Geordie’s stricken with dating-app fatigue. Taking place in Newcastle’s city centre, the events capture a shift away from virtual connections in favour of stripped-down IRL romance, while simultaneously addressing safety concerns.