Gen Z plans to use social media for dating in 2023 -Instagram report

Instagram has teamed up with trend forecasting company WGSN for a new report highlighting 2023 predictions for social media usage among Gen Z.

Below you can find the key takeaways from the 2023 Instagram Trend Report for which the companies surveyed 1,200 Gen Z users between the ages of 16-24 living in the United States.

Making Money Online

Gen Z is well aware of monetization opportunities that social media platforms offer, the report suggests. Around two third of users that participated in the survey said they’re planning to use social media to make money in 2023.

64% of them said they want to monetize a project, more than 85% said they want to acquire a new skill, and nearly 25% of teen respondents said they want to improve their financial skills next year.

While the majority of Gen Z users said they want to monetize their social media accounts next year, around half of them said their main purpose of creating content is to express themselves and have some fun.

Dating

Over half of users said they feel more comfortable dating online than face-to-face, and Gen Z plans to use social media platforms like Instagram for dating and making new connections in 2023.

‘’IG is the new dating app. Gone are the days of endless swiping on dating apps,’’ the company said in the report. ‘’No need to swipe left or right, DMs and messaging offer more transparent, honest and direct communication.’’

When respondents were asked if they’d ever use a meme in their first message to a match in a dating app, more than half of them said ‘’Yes’’, but 39% of them said having bad taste in memes makes their match less attractive.

The study also found that nearly half of Gen Z users wouldn’t date someone if their astrological charts aren’t compatible.

DIY & Recycling 

To fight climate change and rising costs, more than half of Gen Z users said they’re planning to DIY their clothes in 2023, and a quarter of them said they would turn to thrifting when they’re not able to afford a clothing item.

Taking Action

‘’Gen Z is an activist generation,’’ the company said. ‘’In 2023, more members of Gen Z will use their dollars to support causes and communities. While 30% of Gen Z is old enough to vote, teens use platforms like Instagram to vote with their wallets.’’

Gen Z users also want to see more politicians from their generation in their country, according to the report. 

In addition, 75% of respondents said they want to follow an influencer with a disability. 

‘’Expect more members of the next gen to engage with creators who advocate for those with intellectual or physical disabilities.’’

Makeup & Beauty Products

According to the report, more Gen Z users will use makeup as a way of expressing their personality next year. ‘’Expect to see Gen Z wear experimental and expressive makeup looks wherever they’re comfortable.’’

In addition, 2 out of 3 Gen Z customers said they’re planning to purchase skincare and beauty products offering defense against the effects of climate change including extreme weather conditions and intense UV rays.

The Metaverse

67% of respondents said that they think digital avatars should better represent diverse body types, clothing, and skin tones in 2023.

More than half of them said they’re planning to get inspiration for beauty and fashion from digital avatars and influencers next year.

Discovering Other Cultures

Social media also helps Gen Z users to discover other cultures, according to the report. 68% of respondents said they’d try other culture’s cuisines after discovering them on social platforms.

Communities & Mixed Media

In 2023, over a third of Gen Z users stated they would like to attend in-person events like meet and greets or creator conventions to meet their favorite creators.

Fans also expect influencers to dive into new forms of media next year. For instance, more than 40% of respondents said they want their favorite creators to start podcasting in the upcoming year.

Music

When it comes to music, 68% of Gen Z users said they want to join a rave in 2023, according to the report.

‘’2023 is all about the rave,’’ Instagram said. ‘’Raves are about being in the moment, reconnecting, and letting go, and Gen Z is ready to rave in 2023.’’

Gen Z users also see music as a bridge to other cultures. Over half of respondents said they’re planning to listen to non-English music like KPOP and Latinx next year.