“Talking stage,” “situationship” and “ghosting” are all dating-related terms that have arisen from increased use of technology in relationships. These ambiguous concepts and blurred labels all stem from dating standards created in a modern era, where expectations are pushed by TikTok and other social media platforms.
Due to the shift of technology, relationships once labeled as dating, or “going out,” have deviated from the clearcut lines of exclusivity, leaving couples in a more casual state. A reliance upon online platforms has created a new landscape for the dating scene: Higher expectations, unclear relationship statuses and an emphasis on independence all lead to a new set of modern dating standards that are more difficult to navigate than ever before.
As the holiday season approaches, viral videos of “brr baskets” and “cuffing season” pop up on feeds, creating unnecessary pressure on viewers who hadn’t planned on these endeavors. Instead of a meaningful gift for one’s significant other, elaborate guides to the perfect present for a romantic partner appear in formulaic lists.
According to a 2024 study by MHM Marketing Agency, 55% of individuals found holiday gift ideas via TikTok. By listening to the voices of influencers rather than prioritizing genuine interests, social media users are giving into trends instead of demonstrating attentiveness
to their partner’s preferences.
At the same time, dating now comes with higher, often unrealistic, standards from who is expected to pay for dates to how quickly someone should reply. Even the rise of online dating forms and compatibility checklists reinforces the idea that relationships should fit a perfect template, adding more pressure than clarity.
Much of modern dating standards have been affected by the idea of self-care and putting oneself first. The over-the-top prioritization of “protecting your peace,” a phrase that is commonplace on social media, has served not to further the individual, but instead to push away others. While it is important to care for yourself, it is still beneficial to have external support, both for physical and mental health. A 2025 study by the American Psychological Association stated that, as romantic partners spent time together, cortisol — a hormone associated with stress — decreased.
In a rapidly changing society, the digital era has an outsized impact on dating. As weeks of texting — or “talking” — replace long dates and paid influencer advertisements replace meaningful gestures, social media is one of the biggest factors in relationships. To prioritize genuine connection, it’s important to put the phone down and take a break from obsessing over the so-called perfect gift or how to become uber-independent, and instead, spend time on in-person interactions. Choosing reality over social media is vital to maintaining one’s mental health and cultivating a healthy relationship.
