The halls fill with loud chatter and laughter as the classroom doors burst open after the music plays for the passing period. Some peers meet with friends, while others gather with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Dating has taken a new form; it has become a rarity and evolved into something that older generations can not recognize.
One way dating has evolved is the expectation being placed solely on the boy to initiate a first date. An unofficial survey was conducted around the school, where 40 randomly selected students, 10 from each grade, were asked who they believed should initiate a first date and why. Of those polled, 67.5% said that they believe the boy should initiate a first date.
“I feel like they (boys) should take on the role of being more dominant and putting their foot down, stuff like that,” said senior Leilani Mamam.
Conversely, junior Larry Rose believes that it does not matter.
“If we’re both into each other, then I have no issue initiating,”said Rose. “I get that it’s like an issue for people to kind of get out of their comfort zone when it comes to that. But yeah, no, if you’re interested, just go for it.”
On the other hand, sophomore Molly Jones believes that the boy should initiate: “It just shows that they’re taking initiative.”
Lastly, freshman Colby Bolduc believes that it does not matter, “I think if you like them, you should just go for it. So it doesn’t matter.”
While the question of who should ask someone out first is a matter of opinion, studies have been conducted showing that there is a correlation between who initiates the first date and happiness among both partners.
Institute of Family Studies found that men who made the first move are more likely to say they are happy in their relationship than men who did not (70% vs. 30%). Women who initiated first are more likely to say they are unhappy in their relationship than women who did not (59% vs. 63%).
Secondly, teens are dating less. A study conducted by the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) revealed that 44% of Gen Z boys have reported having no relationship experience in their teen years. In contrast, 76% of Gen X reported having had a relationship as a teenager.
Several factors play into the lessening dating lives of Gen Z. Technology is arguably the biggest factor. AIBM also discussed that Gen Z men have reported spending most of their time online gaming, leading to less in-person interaction, which is a vital part of dating.
Whether this shift is beneficial for Gen Z is up to them. Statistics and surveys show the broad consequences this change has on Gen Z as a whole, but not the individual impact. It is important to reflect inwardly and choose to do what is best for oneself.
