A fresh dating trend known as ‘throning’ has emerged, adding yet ‘another reason to criticize Gen Z’ers’.
Although I am part of the Gen Z cohort, I don’t engage with TikTok unless it’s for work-related purposes. Consequently, I don’t align myself with the group that performs dance routines for views or carries a ring light everywhere to capture the perfect selfie.
For many of us, the idea of a potential date having a significant number of Instagram followers is off-putting. If they are also concerned about your online presence, that is a clear red flag, prompting you to run in the opposite direction as quickly as possible.
However, some people find this appealing, and it has evolved into a dating trend that actually has its origins far earlier than one might assume.
We began the year seeking a man in finance, preferably 6ft5in with a trust fund, and it has only escalated from there.
Throning involves seeking a partner who is perceived as ‘better’ or ‘too good’ for you in terms of social standing, with the aim of elevating your own status.
While this trend has been present for quite some time (as evidenced by any Jane Austen adaptation), it is believed that ‘throning’ has gained traction due to the influence of social media.
From Cardi B and Offset’s 2019 song about doing ‘anything for clout’ to theories about celebrities dating to boost their online status and media coverage, consider the engagements that were conveniently captured for TV shows or YouTube videos.
In essence, it’s akin to gold-digging, but for fame rather than wealth—although the two often go hand-in-hand, don’t they?
A study published in ScienceAdvances found that both ‘men and women pursue partners who are on average about 25 percent more desirable than themselves by our measures and that they use different messaging strategies with partners of different desirability’.
In December 2018, the dating site Plenty of Fish surveyed 1,000 users and discovered that nine percent admitted to ‘throning’, with 27 percent believing someone dated them for social climbing purposes.
Social media users have quickly shared their opinions on this trend.
One user on Twitter remarked: “Sounds weird.”
“Sounds like a wild trend! Gen Z is really pushing boundaries in dating,” another commented, while a third noted: “Throning = Narcissists.”
“As if we needed another reason to hate the Gen Z’ers,” wrote a fourth user.
Lastly, someone concluded: “Clout rots the brain. If at any point in time you forsake your health, the health of others, relationships, kindness, love, friendships, and the people around you for the sake of internet money and fame, you’ve lost the plot.”
In short, steer clear of all dating trends and consider reading Matthew Hussey’s book “Love Life,” which has become my go-to relationship guide.