A new study by the dating app Tinder shows that Generation Z are more likely than other age demographics to use its orientation feature, and were most likely to choose more than one sexual orientation and gender identity when setting up their profile.
A survey of 3,453 Gen Z users (those between the ages of 18 and 25) found that one third had become open to dating different genders over the last three years, and one fifth stated interest in exploring polyamory. Tinder’s orientation feature, which was created in partnership with the US-based non-profit organization GLAAD last year, lets users list up to three of nine sexual orientations in their Tinder profiles, including straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, demisexual, pansexual, queer, and questioning.
86% of respondents said they believe they are more tolerant than their parents’ generation — yet just 13% said they had come out to family and friends. Members of the generation also recognize that there is still much to learn, with 44% expressing the need for better education and guidance on LGBTQ+ issues. More than 25% said they use TV and movies to educate themselves about queer issue, and almost a third said they use social media and influencers.
The study also reveals that for zoomers, the internet has become a safe space, with 71% saying online platforms had “allowed them to connect with others.” 75% said dating apps help them to get to know themselves better. According to Tinder’s 2019 Year in Swipe report, zoomers value authenticity over anything else. Nearly half (48%) rank this as more important than finding someone who is funny (18%) or polite (4%). Tinder’s 2019 report also revealed that terms such as “climate change,” “environment,” and “social justice” are the most popular phrases in Gen Z user bios.
“At Tinder, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, which starts with the ability to authentically be yourself. That’s why we introduced both the Orientation and More Genders features,” said Tinder CEO Elie Seidman in a statement. “Our younger members, Gen Z, are leading the way to a more inclusive world and we know that with our scale, we can help make a difference with our product. We can’t wait to release these features to more people around the world.”
The app released its “more genders” option in 2016, which expanded in 2019 to include 50 gender options for users to pick from. However, many transgender users have criticized Tinder due to frequent banning of non-cisgender users and poor customer support after being banned — including Hustlers star Trace Lysette, who was abruptly banned last year, as well as Peppermint, a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Tinder’s orientation feature is currently only available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, India, Australia, and New Zealand, however the dating app will be expanding the feature, alongside its “More Genders” feature, on a global scale in the next few months. This comes after Tinder’s launch of its Traveler Alert program last year, which aims to protect and inform LGBTQ+ users about the risks of using dating apps in 70 countries where anti-LGBTQ+ laws would criminalize them.
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