Do Gen Z’s candy hearts say, “Will you be mine?” or “Do you lowkey wanna hang out?” Today, the holiday of love, many wonder if they will be someone’s Valentine. But there is one problem: Gen Z dating culture.

     Over the years, dating culture has gone from writing love letters to liking people’s Instagram stories as a way of showing interest. Instead of asking for a person’s phone number, many now say, “Can I get your snap?” 

     This new method of dating has made hopeless romantics raise an eyebrow. How have we gone from a milkshake with two straws at a diner to asking WYLL (what do you look like)? The reality is, technology has taken over the dating realm.

     Sophomore Sophia Freedman, who doesn’t have social media, said, “It’s harder to talk to people because no one is texting [since it is not as casual].”

     Because of this, many Gen Zers have little to no dating experience.

     However, freshman Tanyiah Ellison views Gen Z dating culture as somewhat positive because finding a partner might not be easier, but is much more accessible. Ellison said, “It’s very different compared to the olden days. My parents met in college, but now, you can just make an account online and then find someone you like.” 

     US Art Teacher Casey McDonough agreed that Gen Z dating culture has its perks, especially when it comes to the “talking stage.” 

     “I think the talking stage is as important as every other stage of a relationship. Getting to know someone, feeling safe around them, seeing if your values align, all of this can and should happen early on,” McDonough said. 

     However, McDonough thinks that talking stages should be done in person. “Try to do the ‘talking’ in person or at least over the phone.  You can’t get to know someone via text,” he said.

     McDonough found the idea of communicating via Snapchat “WILD” because of shared locations, disappearing messages, and a “lack of trust.”

     But the truth is, old-fashioned fairytale romance is slipping away. As little kids, we dreamt of dinner dates and drive-in movies— the prince at last finding the princess. We wished for the perfect romantic gesture, but it feels like it will never happen for us.

     “You’re never going to find the old-fashioned love like in The Notebook. No one is writing you 365 letters,” Freedman said. 

     All these ingredients – asking for someone’s snap, being anti-romance, and asking for more than a date – create the perfect Gen Z love potion for finding a partner.